Project Constellation: Building a Constellation of Outer Space Partners at the UN

Project Constellation is a federal funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna. The program is designed to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives by strengthening international collaboration in civil and commercial space activities through multilateral engagement at the United Nations. The initiative builds upon prior diplomatic and technical cooperation efforts and is positioned within a broader strategy to align global partners with U.S. approaches to space governance, innovation, and economic development. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish and sustain a long term international partnership platform that connects governments, industry, academia, entrepreneurs, and international organizations. The program aims to enhance cooperation among countries participating in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and to support emerging space nations in developing their institutional, commercial, and workforce capacities. Activities are expected to promote alignment with U.S. policies and international legal frameworks governing space while also encouraging economic growth and innovation in the global space economy. Funding will support a comprehensive set of program components, including the planning and implementation of the annual U.S. Space Forum, development of a year round digital partnership platform, facilitation of strategic partnerships and commercial engagement, delivery of capacity building programming, execution of strategic communications campaigns, and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems. Allowable uses of funds include program design, stakeholder engagement, digital infrastructure development, training and exchanges, communications activities, and evaluation efforts. Certain restrictions apply, including prohibitions on funding specific entities such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and compliance with federal regulations related to procurement, anti discrimination, and other statutory requirements. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and for profit entities. Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in international training, capacity building, workforce development, or public diplomacy related to U.S. civil or commercial space activities. Organizations are required to maintain valid registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Only one application per organization is permitted. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required and will not be considered during the merit review process. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes mandatory forms such as SF 424 and SF 424A, a proposal narrative of up to fifteen pages, a detailed budget and justification, and supporting attachments such as letters of support and monitoring and evaluation plans. Proposals must clearly outline organizational capacity, program design, goals and objectives, implementation strategy, risk analysis, and sustainability plans. Applications are evaluated based on quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, program planning, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. The application deadline is September 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM Vienna time, with an anticipated project start date of October 1, 2026 and a performance period of up to twenty four months. Questions must be submitted by August 21, 2026 via email, and award notifications are expected by mid September 2026. The program anticipates issuing one cooperative agreement award, with substantial involvement from the Department of State in implementation and oversight. While the opportunity is not explicitly recurring, continuation funding may be considered based on performance and availability of funds.

Ensure strong alignment with program objectives provide detailed implementation plan include measurable outcomes and demonstrate organizational capacity