2026 MXO Pitch Day Special Notice
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Multi X Office (MXO) has issued a Special Notice for its 2026 MXO Pitch Day, an invitation-only event scheduled for November 2, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. This initiative aims to identify and fund scientific discovery solutions for short-term efforts, advance scientific understanding, and foster future DARPA programs, with a specific focus on encouraging participation from non-traditional organizations and small businesses.
Purpose & Scope
DARPA MXO seeks innovative concepts to address specific Thrust Areas, details of which will be provided in a forthcoming full announcement. The Pitch Day serves as a platform for selected proposers to present their solutions orally. The primary objectives include:
- Funding scientific discovery solutions for short-term efforts.
- Advancing scientific understanding.
- Creating future DARPA programs.
- Encouraging participation from non-traditional organizations and small businesses new to DARPA.
Participation Process
Interested organizations must first submit an abstract for evaluation during July/August 2026. Proposers whose concepts are selected for further evaluation will be invited to submit a Pitch Day Presentation (PDP) package and deliver an oral presentation at the MXO Pitch Day. The event will be conducted at an UNCLASSIFIED level.
Key Dates
- Initial Posting Date: June 10, 2026
- Anticipated Full Announcement Posting: June 24, 2026
- Abstract Evaluation Period: July/August 2026
- MXO Pitch Day Event: November 2, 2026
- MXO Spark Tank Event: November 2-4, 2026
- Spark Tank Registration Opens: August 10, 2026
- Spark Tank Registration Closes: October 18, 2026
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Informational only)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Date (for this notice): June 25, 2026 (This notice does not accept submissions; it is for informational purposes.)
- Published: June 10, 2026
- Product Service Code: AC12 - National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Applied Research
Additional Notes
This Special Notice is for informational and program planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation. The government will not accept submissions against this notice, and DARPA will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred to participate. Attendees for the associated MXO Spark Tank event will need to register (anticipated $450 fee) and present U.S. Government-issued photo identification for entry.