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.…

Colorado State University's Sponsored Programs Division received a $453,662 research grant from a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center, with performance completed by November 11, 2027. The award supports execution of a balanced science program aligned with National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine guidance, Congressional direction, and administration priorities. The research initiative positions CSU as a key partner in the agency's exploration program, emphasizing scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while advancing discovery through cross-disciplinary opportunities across traditional science domains. Additionally, the award funds development of a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. No set-aside designation was utilized in this competitive award.

This grant award reflects CSU's established capacity as a premier research institution and federal contractor specializing in complex scientific research across multiple domains. The university's Sponsored Programs Division manages an extensive portfolio of federal contracts and grants from agencies including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Department of Defense. CSU currently holds a major $146.3 million indefinite delivery contract with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases through July 2031, supporting preclinical models of infectious diseases. The current research grant demonstrates continued federal confidence in CSU's ability to execute mission-critical scientific research supporting national priorities in space exploration and Earth science applications.

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.