2026 MXO Spark Tank 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), specifically its Multi X Office (MXO), will host the 2026 MXO Spark Tank event in Chicago, Illinois, from November 2-4, 2026. This Special Notice announces an in-person event designed to familiarize prospective proposers and collaborators with MXO's mission, facilitate discussions, and improve future proposal preparation. Advance registration is required, with a deadline of October 18, 2026.
Event Details
- Event Dates: November 2-4, 2026
- Location: Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, Illinois
- Registration Opens: August 10, 2026
- Registration Deadline: October 18, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
- Registration Fee: $450.00
- Registration Website: https://cvent.me/8oLRbr
- Attendees: Open to U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and Foreign Nationals, limited to 500 participants. FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities are discouraged from attending.
Purpose & Scope
The event aims to broaden DARPA's reach to non-traditional performers and provide insights into MXO's mission to disrupt across scale and function for national security. Overview presentations by DARPA personnel and MXO Program Managers will cover key thrust areas, including materials and components (beyond-CMOS), tools and processes for indigenous development, and new modalities for mission effects beyond traditional electronic approaches.
Engagement Opportunities
Registered attendees can request 15-minute sidebar meetings with MXO Program Managers for technical discussions or with MXO Leadership regarding program manager opportunities. These meetings are coordinated based on capacity and require a 500-word Capability Summary at registration, which also serves for market research.
Important Considerations
This is a Special Notice for information and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. No classified, ITAR-controlled, or proprietary information should be included or discussed. Attendees must present government-issued photo identification, and specific security procedures apply to non-U.S. Citizens and foreign government personnel.
Timeline
- Published: June 3, 2026
- Registration Opens: August 10, 2026
- Registration Deadline: October 18, 2026
Set-Aside
No set-aside is specified for this event.