California Association For Research In Astronomy
Waimea, HI Doing business as W.m. Keck Observatory
- UEI
- DDL5KU1YZLP3
- CAGE
- 1KQZ0
- Primary NAICS
- Not on record
- SAM.gov registration
- Active through
Company facts
- Self-certified in SAM.gov
- Entity structure
- Corporate Entity (Tax Exempt)
- SAM.gov registration date
- Physical address
- 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
- Website
- keckobservatory.org
- Founded
- 1985
- Employees
- 51-250
- Estimated annual revenue
- $10M-$50M
- Industry
-
- Industrials
- Commercial & Professional Services
- Professional Services
- Research & Consulting Services
- SIC code
- 87 Engineering & Management Services
Registration and certifications come from SAM.gov and the SBA; company details from public web sources. Updated .
Recent federal awards
| Award | Agency | Obligated | Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRI: track 2 development of infrared wavefront sensor adaptive optics ('IWA) enabled astrophysics -this program… | Division of Astronomical Sciences | $1,229,873 | |
| Towards ideal adaptive optics performance with focal-plane wavefront sensing -adaptive optics (AO) is a revolutionary… | Division of Astronomical Sciences | $388,823 | |
| MRI: track 2 development of astrophysics enabled by high order advanced keck adaptive optics (haka) -an object seen at… | Division of Astronomical Sciences | $1,649,787 | |
| 22-KECK22-0001, NASA science at w. M. Keck observatory: march 1, 2023 through february 29, 2028 | Shared Services Center | $17,314,083 | |
| 22-KECK22-0001 NASA science at w. M. Keck observatory: march 1 2023 through february 29 2028 | Shared Services Center | $17,314,083 |
About California Association For Research In Astronomy
California Association For Research In Astronomy (CARA), doing business as W.M. Keck Observatory, is a non-profit organization that manages two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes located in Waimea, Hawaii. Registered in SAM.gov since 2001, CARA provides advanced scientific research capabilities to federal agencies, specializing in astronomical observation and cutting-edge telescope technologies. The organization operates the W.M. Keck Observatory, which is a premier research facility that supports scientific investigations across multiple disciplines, particularly in astronomy and astrophysics.
CARA's federal contract work primarily involves cooperative agreements with NASA, most notably a $24,798,000 cooperative agreement for science operations at the W.M. Keck Observatory from March 2023 through February 2028. This contract is not set aside and supports NASA's scientific programs by maintaining observational capabilities at the Keck telescopes. The organization has also engaged in sub-contract work, such as service-based agreements with the University of Hawaii, demonstrating its ability to collaborate with academic and research institutions to support federal scientific objectives.
The organization's federal grant awards focus extensively on developing advanced astronomical technologies and research capabilities. CARA has received multiple grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), including a $1,229,874 project grant for developing an Infrared Wavefront Sensor Adaptive Optics system, a $388,823 grant to improve adaptive optics performance with the "Fast and Furious" algorithm, and a grant for the High Order Advanced Keck Adaptive Optics (HAKA) project. These grants support technological innovations in astronomical instrumentation, enhance telescope performance, and enable new scientific investigations such as exoplanet imaging, black hole physics research, and advanced optical sensing. CARA has also worked with sub-grantees like the University of California Santa Cruz and California Institute of Technology, further expanding its research and technological development network.
Quick answers
What is California Association For Research In Astronomy's UEI?
California Association For Research In Astronomy's Unique Entity ID (UEI) in SAM.gov is DDL5KU1YZLP3.
What is California Association For Research In Astronomy's CAGE code?
California Association For Research In Astronomy's CAGE code is 1KQZ0.
Where is California Association For Research In Astronomy located?
California Association For Research In Astronomy's physical address in SAM.gov is 65-1120 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA.
Is California Association For Research In Astronomy registered in SAM.gov?
Yes. California Association For Research In Astronomy's SAM.gov registration is active through December 3, 2026.
What is California Association For Research In Astronomy's most recent federal award?
California Association For Research In Astronomy's most recent federal grant award is MRI: track 2 development of infrared wavefront sensor adaptive optics ('IWA) enabled astrophysics -this program… (2510577), from Division of Astronomical Sciences, on October 1, 2025.
On GovTribe
See California Association For Research In Astronomy's full federal record
- Federal contract awards
- Federal grant awards
- Subcontracting relationships
- Funding analysis by agency, NAICS and set-aside
- Similar vendors