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 Texas at Austin has been awarded a $976,141 grant by a civilian federal agency's Shared Services Center to execute a balanced science program aligned with National Academies guidance, administration priorities, and congressional direction. The award, issued January 1, 2025, with completion targeted for May 20, 2028, positions UT Austin as a key partner in the agency's exploration initiative, emphasizing scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond. The contract further directs the university to advance discovery across emerging fields by identifying cross-disciplinary opportunities and to develop a user-focused approach to applied programs including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. No set-aside designation was applied to this award.

UT Austin's selection reflects its established capabilities as a premier research institution with extensive experience executing complex federal research initiatives across multiple scientific domains. The university has demonstrated particular strength in aerospace engineering, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary scientific research through prior awards from agencies including NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy. This grant represents a child contract award and leverages the institution's track record in managing sophisticated, long-term research programs that support both fundamental scientific discovery and applied technological development across federal priorities.

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.