Physical Optics Corporation

Physical Optics Corporation, a division of Mercury Systems Inc., is a provider of advanced technology solutions primarily to defense and aerospace customers. The company specializes in delivering a wide range of products and services, including optical systems, avionics, electronic warfare, and communications technologies. As a prime contractor, Physical Optics Corporation has secured numerous federal contract and grant awards to support critical missions for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. The company leverages its expertise in areas such as sensor technologies, artificial intelligence, and computing capabilities to develop innovative solutions for complex defense and national security challenges.

Physical Optics Corporation has provided a diverse array of goods and services through its prime and subcontract awards. The company has manufactured and delivered radar systems, data transfer units, power supply modules, and other avionics and electronic components for various naval aviation platforms. Notable contracts include the development of C-BAND RADAR tracking transponders for the Naval Air Systems Command, advanced fire control radars for unmanned surveillance systems for the Army, and specialized encryption and decryption services for the UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopter program. Physical Optics Corporation has also been awarded numerous Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts across multiple phases, focusing on areas such as machine learning algorithms for plume characteristic determination, quantum-resistant blockchain frameworks, and next-generation 9-1-1 multimedia content analysis capabilities. The company has received awards from various defense agencies, including the Naval Air Warfare Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Many of these contracts have been designated as small business set-asides, reflecting the company's status as a small business innovator in the defense sector.

In terms of federal grant awards, Physical Optics Corporation has received funding for research and development projects aligned with national priorities. A notable example is a project grant awarded by the Department of Energy's Office of Science for the development of a Dam Inspection Artificial Intelligence System. This grant, valued at $149,992.20, supported research from June 2020 to May 2021, demonstrating the company's capabilities in applying artificial intelligence technologies to critical infrastructure inspection and maintenance. While the available information shows fewer grant awards compared to contract awards, this project highlights Physical Optics Corporation's ability to secure funding for innovative research projects that address important civilian applications of its defense-oriented technologies.

Physical Optics Corporation holds several significant federal contract Indefinite Delivery Vehicles (IDVs) that showcase its broad capabilities and strong relationship with defense agencies. A major IDV awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, valued at up to $7.1 billion, supports the full-rate production of aircraft and systems under the MAC program through April 2030. Another key IDV from the Naval Air Warfare Center, with a ceiling of $84.9 million, focuses on the development and delivery of advanced data transfer systems and related hardware for aviation technology programs through September 2025. Additionally, the company holds a $52 million IDV for non-recurring program engineering services, including the delivery of specialized gas generation kits and engineering services for naval aircraft systems. These IDVs demonstrate Physical Optics Corporation's critical role in supporting naval aviation modernization efforts and its ability to provide a wide range of products and services across multiple defense programs.