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.…

This federal contract award to the University of Maine System (UMS) provides funding of $964,806 for the execution of a balanced science program based on guidance from the National Academies, administration priorities, and congressional direction. The contract, which has no set-aside designation, requires UMS to participate as a key partner and enabler in the funding agency's exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research of, on, and from the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond. The contract also calls for UMS to advance discovery in emerging fields by identifying and exploiting cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines, as well as develop a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs, including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness.

UMS has extensive research, education, and public service capabilities across multiple disciplines, including marine sciences, climate change, aerospace, renewable energy, advanced materials, environmental monitoring, and sustainable technologies. The university has executed numerous federal contracts and grants with agencies such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and NOAA, and holds a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) contract with the Department of the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, which can serve as a mechanism for potential future task orders.

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.