Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences, engineering, and medicine, administration priorities, and direction from congress.…

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), through its Office of Research Administration, received a $545,889 cooperative agreement from a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center, with performance in Los Angeles, CA and completion targeted for February 29, 2028. This non-set-aside award supports UCLA's participation in a balanced science program aligned with National Academies guidance, agency administration priorities, and congressional direction. The work encompasses UCLA's role as a key partner in the agency's exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research activities related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while advancing discovery in emerging interdisciplinary fields and developing applied programs in Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness.

As a prominent public research institution and 1862 Land Grant College, UCLA brings substantial research capabilities and technical expertise to support the agency's mission objectives. The cooperative agreement structure reflects the collaborative nature of the engagement, enabling UCLA to leverage its extensive research facilities, diverse faculty expertise, and robust administrative infrastructure to execute complex federal research initiatives. This award aligns with UCLA's established track record as a critical federal research partner, complementing the institution's existing portfolio of contracts and grants across multiple federal agencies including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense entities.

Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences, engineering, and medicine, administration priorities, and direction from congress. Participate as a key partner and enabler in the agency s exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research of, on, and from the moon, lunar orbit, mars, and beyond. Advance discovery in emerging fields by identifying and exploiting cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines develop a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs, including earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness