Photo by Jim Jenkins Al Wilkerson, of General Dynamics, teaches the first group of NAVAIR logisticians taking part in the newly offered Design Interface and Maintenance Planning Subject Matter Expert certification program Dec. 7 at Eagle Systems in Lexington Park. Jon Malmind, also of General Dynamics, also helps teach the class.

The department established the Design Interface and Maintenance Planning (DI⁄MP) Subject Matter Expert (SME) certification program to enhance the logistics workforce and create a balance of SMEs across the competency and throughout the NAVAIR community. The certification program provides a structured path for logisticians to progress through Levels I, II and III within the area of their expertise, also known as their functional area.

Completion of Level III can lead to consideration for certification as SME, the highest level obtained in a given functional area. The SME recognizes professionals that have exceeded Level III requirements and made exceptional contributions within an area of 6.7 Technical Authority.

Qualifications for certifications in a given functional area are defined by the level of experience, education and training obtained and demonstrated by an applicant. Certifications may be achieved within the division’s seven areas of Technical Authority: Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Level of Repair Analysis (LORA), Design Interface (DI), Maintenance Planning (MP), Integrated Maintenance Concept (IMC), Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortage (DMSMS) and Environmental Logistics.

Since the establishment of the DI⁄MP certification program, three NAVAIR logistics employees have been recognized as the first group of certified SMEs.

Todd Mellon, AIR 6.7 department director, Industrial and Logistics Maintenance Planning⁄Sustainment, presented the SME certification designation to Dave Swanson, AIR-6.7.1 division director; Earl Snyder, AIR 6.7.1.2 branch manager; and Mary Goertz-Mey, maintenance planning lead, Lakehurst.

In addition, NAVAIR site leads were recognized for their efforts and contributions for helping establish the certification program. Those recognized were Craig Graham, AIR-6.7.1 North Island; Robin Reid, AIR-6.7.1 Cherry Point; John Martin, 6.7.1 Jacksonville; Chris Reymann, AIR-6.7.1 Lakehurst; and Charlene Forrest, NAWCAD 6.7 Patuxent River.

This career development program provides an opportunity for logisticians to take the knowledge gained from the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Life Cycle Logistics certification requirements and continue their professional growth by focusing on the subject areas.

In addition, the DI⁄MP certification program complements DAWIA requirements and supports the Department of the Navy Human Capital Strategy framework. Pictured below, the MP Certification chart provides a progressive view of a specific area of expertise and its respective requirements.

The collaborative efforts and inputs of the DI⁄MP Steering Committee were instrumental in performing a workforce proficiency gap analysis. This data was utilized to indentify requirements needed for an effective NAVAIR workforce.

Complete details regarding the DI⁄MP Certification Program are contained in the certification plan which can be obtained from AIR 6.7.1. Contact Dave Swanson, 301-757-8431, or Earl Snyder, 301-757-3071.