My DCMA: Taylor Peterkin, lead QAS

My DCMA: Taylor Peterkin, lead QAS

By Tonya Johnson Operational Business Center Public Affairs

My DCMA showcases the Defense Contract Management Agency's experienced and dedicated workforce and highlights what being part of the national defense team means to them. Today, Taylor Peterkin shares his story.

My name is Taylor Peterkin, and this is "My DCMA." I am a lead quality assurance specialist at DCMA Northeast, which is a part of the Geographic & Systems Support Command. I am based in Buffalo, New York.

My job duties include co-leading a team of eight quality assurance professionals, assigning surveillance workloads and performing risk assessments on contractor manufacturing processes, conducting data analysis, and providing technical guidance and mentorship to journeymen quality assurance specialists.

I track team deliverables, review complex reports, including Process Evaluations and Quality Management System Audits, and negotiate letters of delegation, also known as LODs, with our internal and external partners. In addition, I serve as a subject matter expert for our multiple NASA projects, managing 16 letters of redelegation and executing all technical surveillance actions deemed critical by our NASA customers, resulting in over 1,000 reimbursable hours charged. We support NASA's Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, Launch Abort System, Space Launch System, International Space Station, Habitation and Logistics Outpost, and previous programs such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

I began my DCMA career as a quality assurance specialist in the Keystone program. I started working at DCMA in April 2016 and have been with the agency for more than 10 years.

I enjoy working at DCMA because it provides a deep sense of purpose. It is rewarding to know that my team has direct, hands-on involvement in supporting diverse, critical projects and missions. Whether we are delivering vital assets to our nation's military or helping to drive pioneering space exploration efforts with NASA such as the historic Artemis mission that my team supported, the impact of our work is real and profound. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most knowledgeable and inspiring coworkers who deeply care about the mission. Many of my colleagues are current or retired military members whose continued commitment to service is motivating.

One of the absolute best things about working on the Buffalo team is the camaraderie. We share a rare, family-like bond where we genuinely care for one another and stand united in our dedication to the mission. That supportive environment is perfectly mirrored by the broader Buffalo community. This region has a deep-rooted community spirit and a rich industrial base, making Buffalo an incredibly fulfilling place to live, work and serve.

DCMA is crucial for our warfighters because we act as the vital link that ensures the equipment they receive is safe, reliable and ready for the field. On the factory floor, my team and I put service before self-interest, upholding the highest ethical standards as we conduct rigorous surveillance to identify and mitigate risks before products ever leave the facility. By delivering this level of excellence and providing clear acquisition insights, we help guarantee both the quality and integrity of defense assets. Ultimately, we serve as the trusted, independent eyes and ears that safeguard our service members by directly supporting their lethality and mission readiness.

Over the years, the most significant shift I have witnessed in DCMA, specifically in quality assurance, is our evolution toward data-driven and risk-based surveillance, which reflects a broader transformation across the entire government and defense acquisition landscape. We replaced the legacy approach of traditional, inspection-driven surveillance with sophisticated data analytics and risk-management methodologies. As the Department of War accelerates procurement to address technological advancements and supply chain complexities, DCMA continues to evolve as an agile, strategic partner. We now focus our surveillance on where the risk is highest, ensuring that we deliver maximum value, cost-effectiveness and uncompromised quality to our warfighters in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

I recently completed the DCMA Team Lead Certification Program, so my immediate focus is on being the best leader I can be for my team. Looking ahead, I hope to move into a supervisory role where I can mentor other QA professionals, help shape DCMA policy and prepare our quality assurance landscape for future defense priorities.

Going into 2027, my goal is to build on the strong 2026 my team has had and continue supporting their growth. I want to focus on mentoring them, helping them enhance their technical skillsets and building their confidence to handle complex surveillance requirements. By focusing on their individual development, we will build an even more capable and effective unit.

Something unique about me is that I spent my entire decade-long federal career at DCMA. I began my journey here in Buffalo as a Keystone quality assurance specialist. I completed the intensive 4,000-hour training program, and years later, I have now progressed to leading a QA team. It is the same team I started with as a Keystone. It's been incredibly rewarding.

My favorite hobbies include golfing, working on home renovation projects and spending time with my family, especially my two kids. I am also a big sports fan and love watching the Buffalo Bills football team and the Buffalo Sabres ice hockey team.

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