The O.S.I.R. (Office of Scientific Investigation and Research) depicted in the series was in-fact an actual organization, incorporated in several countries (including the U.S.) until its acquisition in 2000. Contrary to the dramatized version depicted in "PSI Factor", the organization primarily specialized in environmental and biological assessments and the independent analysis of scientific findings. A small "Anomalistics" division within the organization was the inspiration for the series.
DEFINITION: "PSI Factor" - In anomalistics, the unquantifiable unknown aspect of an anomalous (paranormal) phenomenon.
Veteran Producer/Writer, Philip DeGuere was originally considered by show creators as a possible Show Runner for the series and is one of the only executives in the entertainment industry to have ever visited the O.S.I.R. headquarters.
As a scientific think-tank based out of northern California, the organization was prominently featured in several high-profile news and documentary programs in the early 1990s, including NBC Network News and Japanese NIPPON News, both highlighting a rare behind-closed-doors look into the operations and ongoing research of the private firm.