The acquisitions planned under the 8 phases of AIR 9000 will be in service for 25-30 years. They are expensive because the airworthiness assurance framework, and initial sustainment funding (for approx 10-15 years, depending on the platform) are included in the cost.
Keeping and upgrading Huey and Kiowa will be a waste of money. We need to shed the airworthiness and sustainment overhead for the 8 or nine (or 10) types we currently operate and reduce to four or five types.
Most acquisition projects take about 3 years to get from concept definition to government decision, except where there is an urgent operational requirement. Most acquisitions require a multi-year acceptance program. A 4-year budget is flawed for that reason alone.
I wish you well in your quest to have our government spend much less money for much less capability. I think the best you can do is mention the light utility gap left by the departure of Huey.