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.…

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has been awarded a $1.70M grant-funded research award effective January 1, 2025, with completion targeted for December 31, 2027. This award supports WHOI's execution of a balanced science program aligned with guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as administration priorities and congressional direction. The research initiative positions WHOI as a key partner in the funding agency's exploration initiative, with focus areas including scientific research of, on, and from the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond. The award also mandates advancement of discovery in emerging fields through cross-disciplinary collaboration between traditional science disciplines and development of applied programs encompassing Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. Performance will occur at WHOI's primary location in Woods Hole, Falmouth, Massachusetts.

The award to WHOI, a private non-profit oceanographic research institution with extensive federal contracting experience across NASA, NOAA, NSF, Department of Defense, and U.S. Geological Survey, represents no set-aside designation and reflects the institution's demonstrated competitiveness in scientific research and technological development. WHOI's existing portfolio includes autonomous underwater vehicle technologies, marine engineering, climate change research, and specialized laboratory services. The award builds upon WHOI's established capabilities in executing large-scale research initiatives and delivering scientific innovation across multiple federal agencies and discipline areas.

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.