2020 BRN Discussion, page-20716

I take it back, could be as early (if it happens) as tomorrow.
Looking at the date of the 8th December.

BRAINCHIP announcement that they have already shipped evaluation boards in November. On the 8th of December they are saying this???
Why now on the 8th?

(sound of Dot Joining themselves)

Because (IMO) on the same day 12 odd hours later USA time, NASA announce that they need the Evaluation kit.
And whats more, have a legal obligation to announce
as much.

So we have a big big tail wagging a dog, even tho we announced first (on the clock date and time) we were actually holding off since November.

Now hears something else to take or leave. Your choice.
Ive never heard of what NASA are asking for. Say im splitting hairs or whatever but this is what we have said we have provided
1. Evaluation Boards
2. Akida Development Environment (ADE) for Early Access Partners (EAP).

NASA have asked for an "EARLY ACCESS EVALUATION KIT"
I've never seen this term used before this announcement from NASA.

The word "Kit" is interesting.
Contract type Code 334413 clear as day says "SEMICONDUCTOR AND RELATED DEVICE MANUFACTURING". And any of the ither codes would gave done the job for a simple evaluation board, but no, had to be 334413.
The first time i read 334413 my gut instincts said "These cheeky yanks (affectionately) are gunna punch these chips out at a size and thickness that suits their needs".

And that instinct to me makes sense. NASA are not gonna wait in line like Ford and Valeo and get a TSMC product, They want it now, and they wanna cook it the way they like it. IMO