Feasibility Analysis of a Joint H-60 Program Office

Abstract

The purpose of this feasibility analysis is to assess the feasibility of a joint program office to manage the cross-service Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky H-60 helicopter is a multipurpose aircraft employed by numerous United States government agencies including many in the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This feasibility analysis utilized a quantitative comparative analysis to analyze the U.S. Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and the Navy’s MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter to assess if there are cost savings opportunities that could be realized with a joint program office. Additionally, we conducted a qualitative comparative analysis to determine if there are benefits or disadvantages to joint program offices. Our findings revealed that there are legitimate quantitative advantages for joint programs based on common principles of economies of scale. However, there are several qualitative detriments that must be overcome in order to transition the H-60 Helicopter to a joint office.