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 National Science Foundation awarded a $747,163 research grant to Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, a non-profit marine research organization based in East Boothbay, Maine, with a completion date of March 31, 2028. The grant supports the 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 work encompasses participation in the agency's exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research related to the Moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond, while advancing discovery in emerging fields through cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines.

Additionally, the award supports the development of a directorate-wide, target user-focused approach to applied programs, including Earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness. Bigelow Laboratory's extensive track record in marine microbiology, oceanography, remote sensing, and biotechnology research positions it to contribute specialized scientific expertise to these initiatives. The contract carries no small business set-aside designation and represents the continuation of the laboratory's collaborative federal research efforts, building on its prior work with NASA and the National Science Foundation in advanced scientific research.

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