National Aeronautics and Space Administration Awarded a Contract to OPTO-KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS INC for $864,994.00

Summary of Award

The awarded contract in question, identified by the unique award ID "80NSSC22CA168," represents a substantial agreement between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the recipient, Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc. This contract falls under the category of a "Definitive Contract," a vital instrument signifying a firm agreement encompassing obligations on both ends. The specific focus of the contract is the "SBIR Phase II Laser Absorption Imaging Diagnostic System for Arc Jet Facilities," a critical technological project.

### Key Aspects of the Contract

Dating back to its signing on May 12, 2022, this contract has a total obligation of $864,994, which is aligned with its full exercised options. This amount illustrates the substantial financial commitment made by NASA toward advancing research and development in sectors critical to its scientific mission. The contract is underpinned by a multi-year structure, expected to conclude by May 11, 2026. The funding and award process involved a competitive selection, with 500 offers received, highlighting the extensive interest and the significance of the project. Classified as a "Small Business Set Aside - Total," it ensures that small businesses receive an equitable opportunity to contribute to large-scale government projects. ### Recipient Details Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc., the beneficiary of this contract, operates out of Torrance, California. This company is characterized by several business categories: it is a small business, a corporate entity not tax-exempt, a U.S.-owned business, and holds special designations. The geographical location of the recipient, in Los Angeles County, is notable for its historical ties to aerospace and technology industries, fitting perfectly into NASA's technological aspirations. Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc. specializes in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology, as denoted by their North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715. The company's focus on R&D aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the contract, promising innovation and progress within the NASA-directed project. ### Transactions Analysis The contract has yielded several transactions spanning its lifecycle. Each transaction plays a pivotal role in the financial mechanics of government contracting: 1. **Initial Transaction (May 12, 2022):** - This initial allocation documented a transactional amount of $799,994. It set the stage for subsequent project development phases and established the groundwork for the implementation of the envisaged systems. 2. **Modifications:** - Modifications such as "P00001" to "P00004" were recorded over time. These typically reflect adjustments, administrative updates, or further disbursements. 3. **Transaction Adjustments (April 10, 2025):** - The latest major transaction on April 10, 2025, involved an additional amount of $65,000. Such enhancements often reflect either advances in project phases or responses to practical development needs that were not foreseen in earlier budgeting phases. ### Execution and Compliance This contract’s comprehensive planning and firm-fixed pricing structure underline an executional strategy aiming for stability, predictability, and performance in delivering technological advancements. The contract's administration appears robust, with a clear pathway from funding agency to recipient. Identified by the Product or Service Code (PSC) "AJ14," Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc.'s delivery focus is on General Science & Technology R&D Services. As such, this contract not only promotes scientific and technological exploration but sets benchmarks for collaborative innovation infrastructures between governmental bodies and private sector partners. ### Management and Oversight Management of this agreement is centralized within the NASA Shared Services Center, denoting an efficient oversight mechanism and administrative handling. It assures that all organizational resources are geared towards optimal project delivery within the designated timeframe. ### Strategic Implication This contract exemplifies NASA's commitment to leveraging technological advancements through strategic partnerships with specialized firms like Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc. By focusing on specialized systems for Arc Jet facilities, NASA asserts its drive toward innovation in aerospace technology, which is central to its broader mission of understanding and exploring outer space. ### Conclusion Overall, the awarded contract with Opto-Knowledge Systems Inc. embodies a potent fusion of governmental support and private expertise to further scientifically critical projects. Through careful management, clear goals, and robust transactions, this agreement stands as a testament to the strategic vision shared by NASA and its partners, aiming to push the boundaries of our scientific understanding and capabilities.