DHS Awards $3.3M for MH60T Helicopter Gearbox Overhaul to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,298,840 ($3.3M)

Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-12-18

End Date: 2029-02-11

Contract Duration: 1,151 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: OVERHAUL OF GEARBOXES AS WELL AS VARIOUS GEARBOX COMPONENTS TO BE USED ON USCG MH60T HELICOPTERS.

Place of Performance

Location: SHELTON, NAUGATUCK VLY County, CONNECTICUT, 06484

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.3 million to SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION for work described as: OVERHAUL OF GEARBOXES AS WELL AS VARIOUS GEARBOX COMPONENTS TO BE USED ON USCG MH60T HELICOPTERS. Key points: 1. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, the original equipment manufacturer, is the sole awardee. 2. The contract is for critical gearbox components for USCG MH60T helicopters. 3. The award is a delivery order under an existing contract. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract has a duration of 1151 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $3.3M award for gearbox overhaul appears reasonable given the specialized nature of MH60T helicopter components. Benchmarking against similar complex aviation maintenance contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, likely due to the specialized nature of MH60T helicopter components and the need for original manufacturer expertise. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this sole-source award, highlighting the importance of ensuring fair pricing and value for specialized defense equipment.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of USCG MH60T helicopters. Supports critical search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and homeland security missions. Maintains the airworthiness of a vital Coast Guard asset.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
Long contract duration may not reflect current market efficiencies.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical maintenance needs for essential aircraft.
Award to established OEM ensures technical compatibility and quality.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on specialized components for military helicopters. Spending in this area is driven by defense readiness and operational requirements.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, is a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under an existing contract, suggesting some level of prior oversight. Further oversight would focus on ensuring the execution of the work meets specifications and cost controls.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns
Long contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.3 million to SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION. OVERHAUL OF GEARBOXES AS WELL AS VARIOUS GEARBOX COMPONENTS TO BE USED ON USCG MH60T HELICOPTERS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-18. End: 2029-02-11.

What is the basis for the sole-source justification, and were alternative solutions or component suppliers ever considered?

The sole-source justification likely stems from the proprietary nature of MH60T gearbox components and the requirement for OEM-certified parts and expertise to maintain airworthiness and safety standards. While alternative solutions might be explored during broader platform sustainment reviews, for specific component overhauls, relying on the original manufacturer is often the most direct path to ensure technical compliance and operational reliability.

How does the pricing of this gearbox overhaul compare to previous maintenance actions on similar MH60T components or comparable helicopter platforms?

A direct comparison of pricing is challenging without access to historical data for the MH60T gearbox overhaul and similar platforms. However, given the sole-source nature and the specialized, safety-critical components involved, costs are expected to be higher than for more commoditized parts. Benchmarking against industry standards for complex aviation maintenance, adjusted for platform specificity, would be necessary for a thorough assessment.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for critical helicopter components, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated pricing due to a lack of competition and reduced incentive for cost efficiency. Mitigation strategies could include rigorous negotiation of terms, performance-based metrics within the contract, and independent cost analysis by the government. Additionally, maintaining strong communication channels with the contractor and closely monitoring contract performance are crucial.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 70Z03822RJ0000002

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp

Address: 6900 MAIN ST, STRATFORD, CT, 06614

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,298,840

Exercised Options: $3,298,840

Current Obligation: $3,298,840

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z03823DJ0000005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline