This federal contract award to North Carolina State University (NC State) will investigate the formation and evolution of Mars, which will provide insights into the evolution of other planetary bodies, satellites, and small bodies in the solar system. The $84,342.24 grant for research, awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has a completion date of December 6, 2022. NC State, a leading public research university, frequently serves as a prime contractor and grantee, providing research, technical assistance, and educational services to various federal agencies. The university has a strong track record of securing federal contracts and grants across disciplines such as materials science, aerospace engineering, and STEM education. This award does not have a set-aside designation.