The project originally started as a tribute to Firefly before taking off on its own life.
There are a couple of Star Trek references in the show. Planet 'Delta' is named after the Delta Quadrant and Hoot's last name is Ryker after the second in command on TNG.
The actual bar of Delta Blue used to belong to Al Capone before being shipped around the country and finally being installed in the location of Shipping and Receiving, where most of Delta Blue was filmed.