This nofo s goal is contribute to science, technology, and exploration research goals, such as those described by the NASA 2022 strategic plan. Twsc aligns to the 2022 plan s goal statement: NASA s…

NASA's Shared Services Center awarded a $245,099 grant to the University of Maine System (University of Maine division) for an Ocean Optics Training Workshop focused on theory and measurements in support of calibration and validation of space-based ocean color observations. The award, issued January 1, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2026, supports NASA's 2022 Strategic Plan objectives of scientific discovery and exploration for the benefit of the United States and humanity. The contract carries no set-aside designation and will be performed in Orono, Maine. This grant aligns with NASA's broader mission to enhance cross-disciplinary science and expand societal benefits through research programs, particularly in Earth science and ocean monitoring capabilities.

The University of Maine System, a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution, brings extensive research capabilities in marine sciences and environmental monitoring to this effort through its Research & Sponsored Program division. The university has demonstrated significant capacity in delivering specialized scientific and technical services to federal agencies, with established experience in NASA programs, materials research, and environmental science initiatives. This training workshop will contribute to improving the accuracy and reliability of satellite-based ocean color data, which is critical for marine ecosystem monitoring, climate research, and oceanographic applications supported by NASA's Earth Science Division.

This nofo s goal is contribute to science, technology, and exploration research goals, such as those described by the NASA 2022 strategic plan. Twsc aligns to the 2022 plan s goal statement: NASA s enduring purpose is scientific discovery and exploration for the benefit of the united states and all of humanity. NASA seeks to discover the secrets of the universe, search for life elsewhere, and protect and improve life on earth and in space. Finding answers to these profound science questions requires support for national priorities in science and exploration, enhancing new opportunities for cross disciplinary science, and expanding the societal benefits of our science programs.