GAO on VXX AOA

The Navy expects to issue the results of its VXX presidential helicopter analysis of alternatives (AOA) in the second quarter of 2011 and seems to be on track to capitalize on lessons learned from the previous VH-71 program, the Government Accountability Office writes in a report issued today.

"While we cannot assess its sufficiency until it is complete, statements by DOD officials on the nature of the AOA effort suggest the pursuit of an acquisition approach in line with best practices, the report states. "Plans are for the AOA to analyze in detail the estimated cost and effectiveness of a range of potential materiel solutions to support the need."

Program officials told GAO they understand the need to establish and maintain a solid business case laying out a balance between requirements, cost and schedule that results in an executable program with acceptable risk.

"To accomplish this, the program intends to use a rigorous four-phase systems engineering and technical review process constituting a more knowledge-based acquisition approach," the report states. "This process differs greatly from the process followed during the VH-71 program. According to VXX program officials, the VXX program’s systems engineering and technical review process will begin earlier during the technology development phase (pre-Milestone B). VXX program officials stated that they plan to enter the systems development phase with a preliminary technical design and possibly an early prototype of subsystems."