# DLA Energy procurement analyst graduates Naval Postgraduate School

/ Published June 29, 2022
FORT BELVOIR, Va. , 
Pre-pandemic, during his off time Ayodele Warburton played soccer and spent time with his wife and two young children. 

But two years ago, Warburton began spending his evenings writing research papers, taking exams and preparing a thesis towards a Master of Science in Contract Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

“I worked full time while working on the degree,” Warburton said. “But, lucky for me, classes were online after my DLA Energy working hours.”

Warburton, a Defense Logistics Agency Energy procurement analyst, applied for the NPS program through the 4th Estate Director of Acquisition Career Management Office. The 4th Estate DACM oversees and provides the statutory training, professional credentialing, continuous learning and career development of more than 28,000 civilian acquisition workforce members throughout more than 30 defense agencies and field activities outside the military branches.

An 11-year DLA employee, Warburton is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement ActContracting Level III certified. He is the subject matter expert for the Department of Defense contract reporting systems and the DLA contracting writing system, overseeing the accuracy and integrity of data for reporting and audit requirements.  

Driven by the need to perform well and further his career, Warburton said it’s opportunities like NPS that are important for improving employee skills and performance and the success of DLA. 

“The course provided me the knowledge in the theories, research methods, and expertise required to perform at the highest level when it comes to policies, management of acquisition, and contract management at DLA Energy or any other agency within DOD,” he said.

                DLA Energy procurement analyst graduates Naval Postgraduate School                            Ayodele Warburton, a Defense Logistics Agency Energy procurement analyst, and his family attended graduation for his Master of Science in Contract Management degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, June 17. The NPS program is part of the 4th Estate the Director of Acquisition Career Management Office Leadership & Talent Management Portfolio. Photo courtesy of Ayodele Warburton.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Photo courtesy of Ayodele WarburtonVIRIN: 220617-D-D0441-802

Originally from Sierra Leone, Warburton has a Bachelor of Laws from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and a Master of Laws from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. 

Warburton completed the NPS master’s degree with a 3.79 grade point average. He and his family proudly attended graduation in Monterey on June 17. 

“The course was extremely challenging, and I recommend it for anyone in the contracting field that wants to learn, develop and advance their career,” he said.

The DLA Strategic Plan and People and Culture Plan prioritize the importance of attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse, skilled, and agile workforce as vital to organization success. Professional growth and career advancement opportunities like the NPS and other programs under the 4th Estate DACM and DLA Executive Development Program and Rotation Program help fortify the culture, reward high performance, build connections, and prioritize professionalism of the workforce.