Smash Program Announcement

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions regarding the DARPA-PA-26-04 "Smash" program, clarifying requirements and expectations for potential proposers.

• Initial Feedstock: The government will provide bulk synthetic solid-phase feedstock samples. Standard compositions will be provided at program kickoff. Technologies requiring feedstock breakdown must describe these steps and energy inputs.
• Feedstock Supply: The program is not looking for partners to supply feedstock.
• Element Focus: The program seeks technologies that separate any solid feedstock into its individual elements. A narrow focus on one region of the periodic table will not meet program metrics. While specific elements may be more critical or valuable, all elements are treated the same for program metrics, though significance can be noted in the commercialization plan.
• Target State: Separated species must be a neutrally pure element. Elements in compounds or solutions will negatively affect purity evaluation.
• TRL: There are no restrictions on Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Mature technologies must describe high-risk research, and combinations of technologies are acceptable.
• Teaming: Teaming may enhance capabilities but does not inherently increase selection chances. Formal teaming is not required for abstract submission, and DARPA will not assist in or direct teaming.
• Payments: Payments will be tied to fixed milestones and the successful completion of defined accomplishment or exit criteria.
• Cybersecurity: Proposers must certify compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and DoDI 8582.01 or propose a plan to achieve compliance within 4 months of program kickoff.

This Q&A document clarifies key aspects of the program, including feedstock requirements, element separation scope, TRL expectations, teaming policies, payment structures, and cybersecurity obligations. Bidders should review these clarifications to ensure their proposals accurately address the program's objectives and requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the DARPA Smash program. It outlines the procedures and requirements for identifying, protecting, and marking sensitive information related to the program. It is intended for all DARPA personnel, support contractors, mission partners, and industrial performers supporting the Smash program.

• Program Overview: Briefly describes the Smash program's objective of demonstrating harvesting of high-purity materials and revolutionizing material processing.
• CUI Categories: Defines two primary categories of CUI relevant to the program: Proprietary Business Information and Export Controlled Research (EXPTR).
• Export Control: Details information related to Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Commerce Control List (CCL).
• FOIA Exemptions: Lists relevant exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that may apply to Smash information.
• Disclosure Procedures: Outlines requirements for public disclosure, handling of FOIA requests, proprietary information, and foreign disclosure.
• Protection Requirements: Specifies methods for protecting CUI, including secure storage and processing on compliant DIB systems.
• Notification: Mandates immediate reporting of unauthorized disclosures or security incidents.
• Guidance Charts: Provides charts to assist in identifying sensitive information, relevant markings, and dissemination controls.

Potential bidders must understand and comply with the CUI requirements outlined in this guide. This includes proper handling, protection, and disclosure of sensitive information related to the Smash program. Failure to comply could impact contract performance and security. Bidders should pay close attention to the definitions of Proprietary Business Information and Export Controlled Research, as these will dictate how certain project data must be managed. The document also provides contact information for inquiries regarding CUI and security.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Program Announcement (PA) from DARPA's Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) solicits innovative proposals for the "Smash" program. The program aims to develop technologies for efficient, scalable element separation across the periodic table, establishing a new basis for domestic resource independence. The core objective is to create technologies that leverage parallel processing to increase process yield, maximize energy utilization, and ensure scalability for industrial applications.

• Research should focus on revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems, not evolutionary improvements.

• Technologies must enable universal processing of diverse feedstocks with near-zero waste and high energy efficiency.

• Proposals must include a commercialization plan.

• Phase 1 (24 months) focuses on proof-of-concept, modeling, and demonstration of parallel element separation.

• Phase 2 (24 months) focuses on prototype development (not solicited under this PA).

• Type of Instrument: Other Transaction (OT) for Research under 10 U.S.C. § 4021.

• Estimated Period of Performance Start: September 1, 2026.

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Proposers Day: February 24, 2026.

• Proposal Abstract Due Date: March 9, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET.

• Questions Due Date: April 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET.

• Deadline to Notify of Intent to Submit Proposal: April 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET.

• Proposal Due Date: April 24, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET.

• Anticipated Oral Presentation Dates: May 5–14, 2026.

• Evaluation Criteria (descending order of importance): Overall Scientific and Technical Merit; Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission; Budget and Price.

• All responsible sources, including U.S. and non-U.S. entities, are encouraged to submit proposals.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Minority Institutions are encouraged to submit proposals, though no portion is set aside.

• The program is structured in two phases, with Phase 1 being solicited under this PA.

• Government furnished feedstock will be provided for performance evaluation.

• Proposers must address all goals of Phase 1; partial solutions will not be considered.

• A detailed commercialization plan is required, including techno-economic and risk analyses.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory instructions and a template for submitting abstracts for the DARPA-PA-26-04: Smash opportunity. It outlines the required format, content, and submission process for abstracts, which are a prerequisite for submitting a full proposal.

• Format: PDF or Microsoft Word, English, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, minimum 12-point font (8-10 point for figures/tables).
• Page Limit: Maximum 6 pages for the entire abstract. Content exceeding this limit will not be considered.
• Included Sections (with page guidelines): Cover Sheet, Innovative Claims (1 page max), Technical Approach, Capabilities/Management Plan (approx. 0.5 page), Budget, Price, and Schedule (approx. 0.5 page), Optional Bibliography (1 page max).
• Excluded from Page Limit: Cover Sheet, Title Page, Table of Contents, Bibliography (Optional), Technical Papers (Optional, max 2 papers).
• Cover Sheet Details: Requires Prime Organization Logo, Abstract Title, Proposer Organization, Technical and Administrative POC information, Estimated Total Price, Estimated Period of Performance, identification of other solicitations proposed to, and acknowledgment of publication restrictions.
• Abstract Content: Focuses on innovative claims, technical approach (including goals, outcomes, commercialization plans, technical challenges, risks, and mitigation strategies), team capabilities and management, and a preliminary budget/schedule.

This template is essential for any vendor intending to respond to the DARPA-PA-26-04: Smash opportunity. Adherence to these instructions is mandatory for a valid abstract submission. The abstract serves as an initial screening, and DARPA's feedback may guide the decision to submit a full proposal. The document details the specific content and formatting requirements that proposers must meet, including page limits and required sections, to ensure their abstract is considered.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Price Summary Spreadsheet for Phase 1 of the DARPA-PA-26-04 Smash opportunity. It is intended for proposers to detail their estimated costs for Phase 1, broken down by month over a 24-month period. Bidders must use this template to outline their proposed hours, rates, and amounts for various cost categories.

• Direct Labor: Requires detailed breakdown of hours, rates, and amounts for each labor category.

• Subcontractors & Consultants: Requires separate listing and cost breakdown.

• Materials, Equipment, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs): Requires cost estimates.

• Profit: Must be included.

• Total Price: The sum of all preceding cost elements.

• Government Share & Recipient Share: To be detailed.

• Phase 1 Total: A summary of Government Share, Performer Share, and Total Project Cost for Phase 1.

• Proposers must add Phase 1 costs into the provided cells.

• The pricing must be presented using the 24-month format; no additional months should be added.

• A separate Price Summary spreadsheet is required for the Prime contractor and each subcontractor.

• Rows can be added for additional labor categories, subcontractors/consultants, and ODCs, but existing fields and formulas must not be removed.

• Labor hours and associated rates must be included for each labor category; percent level of effort (LOE) calculations are prohibited.

• All cost elements should be fully burdened, including indirect costs and fee. Visibility into indirect rates/costs is not required, but supporting information can be submitted in Volume 2.

This spreadsheet is critical for bidders to accurately estimate and present their proposed costs for Phase 1 of the opportunity. It dictates the format and required detail for cost proposals, ensuring consistency and comparability across submissions. Failure to adhere to the specified format and requirements may impact the evaluation of proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions and a template for the Price Volume of proposals submitted for DARPA-PA-26-04 Smash. It details the required format, content, and submission guidelines for cost proposals.

• Format: Proposals must be in PDF or Microsoft Word. Spreadsheet files (Attachment E) must be separate. All pages should be 8-1/2 by 11 inches with 1-inch margins and a minimum 12-point font size.
• Content: The Price Volume must cover the full program, including all components. It requires a Cover Sheet with specific proposer and contact information, a Table of Contents, a Price Summary, and detailed Price Breakdowns.
• Required Attachments: Proposers must use Attachment E, the DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet, which must remain in an editable format with intact formulas.
• Price Details: Must include breakdowns for Direct Labor (with an Integrated Master Schedule), Materials, Equipment Purchases, Travel, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), Resource Sharing, Consultant Costs, and Subawardee Costs. Each item over $5,000 requires supporting documentation.
• Subcontractor Information: Prime proposers are responsible for compiling and submitting all non-proprietary sub-awardee cost proposals. Proprietary sub-awardee proposals can be included in the Price Volume or emailed separately.
• Optional Value Assessment: Proposers may include an optional section to quantitatively demonstrate the unique value of their solution or the benefits of using an Other Transaction (OT) agreement.

This document is critical for bidders to understand how to structure and submit their cost proposals. Adhering to these instructions, including the use of the specified spreadsheet and providing detailed, traceable cost information, is essential for proposal completeness and evaluation. It outlines the specific data required to substantiate proposed prices and ensures consistency across all proposal documents and sub-awardees.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides mandatory proposal instructions and a template for Volume I (Technical and Management Proposal) for the DARPA-PA-26-04: Smash program. It outlines the required components of a full proposal submission and details the content expectations for both oral presentations and written submissions.

• Proposal Components: Full proposals must include Attachment B (Proposal Summary Slide), Attachment C (Volume 1: Technical and Management Proposal), Oral Presentation Content, Written Content, Attachment D (Volume 2: Price Proposal), and Attachments E, F, G, and H.
• Oral Presentation: Limited to 20 slides, 40 minutes presentation time with a 20-minute Q&A. Focus on technical discussion, innovation, risks, and mitigation. Must include how the solution achieves program metrics, supported by quantitative analysis.
• Written Content (Volume 1): Limited to 12 pages, excluding specific sections like the Cover Sheet and Official Transmittal Letter. Detailed section breakdown includes Executive Summary, Goals and Impact, Technical Approach, Notional Plan for Phase 2, Commercialization Plan, Management Plan, Schedule and Milestones, Personnel, Capabilities, IP, OCI, Novelty, and Bibliography.
• Cover Sheet: Requires specific proposer information, POCs, award instrument, place/period of performance, pricing, UEI, TIN, CAGE code, DCMA/ONR POC, DCAA POC, AI usage disclosure, and proposal validity period.
• Technical Approach: Requires detailed descriptions of Phase 1 system design, mass/energy inputs/outputs, achievement of program metrics, scalability, and risk mitigation.
• Phase 2 Plan: Requires a description of how Phase 1 results inform Phase 2, identification of risks, IP restrictions, and an estimated cost breakdown for Phase 2.
• Commercialization Plan: Requires technoeconomic analysis, core competencies, risk/competitive analyses, market potential, IP strategy, regulatory strategy, production plan, and finance plan.
• Intellectual Property (IP): Government Purpose Rights (GPR) are required. Proposers must identify utilized and delivered IP, disclose pre-existing IP, and detail ownership and development at private expense.
• OCI: Proposers must disclose any current or past SETA, A&AS, or similar support to DARPA and any other potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest, with mitigation plans.

This document is critical for understanding the specific requirements, format, content, and submission deadlines for proposals related to the DARPA-PA-26-04: Smash program. Bidders must adhere strictly to these instructions and templates to ensure their proposals are considered for evaluation.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a model "Other Transaction" (OT) for Research agreement template provided by DARPA. It outlines the general terms and conditions that DARPA intends to include in a resulting award. Proposers are invited to suggest edits for consideration by DARPA, submitting a copy with track changes alongside their proposal. Proposed changes will not be evaluated but should be commensurate with the technical approach. Rationale for non-administrative edits is required.

• Article I: Scope of the Agreement: Details the purpose of the agreement, defines key terms (e.g., Data, Government, Performer), and outlines the Performer's responsibilities, including performing research and development as per the Task Description Document (TDD) and submitting required documentation. It also specifies payment terms based on milestones and cost-sharing requirements.
• Article II: Term: Defines the agreement duration and termination provisions for both the Government and the Performer.
• Article III: Management of the Project: Outlines the management structure, including the roles of the DARPA Agreements Officer's Representative (AOR) and Program Manager (PM), and the process for program planning and modifications.
• Article V: Obligation and Payment: Details payment procedures, emphasizing milestone-based payments and the requirement to use the Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) system for invoicing.
• Article VII: Patent Rights: Specifies how patent rights for subject inventions are allocated between the Performer and the Government, including disclosure, election of title, and licensing provisions.
• Article VIII: Data Rights: Defines the rights the Government receives concerning data developed under the agreement.
• Article IX: Foreign Access to Technology: Imposes restrictions on the transfer of technology developed under the agreement to foreign firms or institutions, requiring DARPA approval.
• Article X: Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting: Mandates the protection of Covered Defense Information (CDI) and outlines procedures for reporting cyber incidents.
• Article XIV: Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment: Prohibits the use of funds for procuring or obtaining specific telecommunications equipment or services linked to covered foreign countries.

Key attachments include the Task Description Document (TDD), Report Requirements, Schedule of Milestones and Payments, Funding Schedule, Certifications, and Property/Equipment lists. These attachments provide specific details on the research effort, reporting obligations, payment schedules, and financial commitments.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Schedule of Milestones and Payments for the agreement, detailing specific milestones, their definitions, due dates, and associated payments. It serves as a guide for performers on how progress will be measured and compensated over the 24-month agreement term.

• Agreement Term: 24 months from the effective date.
• Milestones: A series of 8 defined milestones, each with specific tasks, due dates (months after award), definitions, and accomplishment criteria.
• Deliverables: Associated deliverables for each milestone, including technical reports, plans, and experimental results.
• Payment Schedule: Details DARPA payments and performer share for each milestone. Specific payment amounts are to be completed by the Government.
• Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs): Each milestone is associated with a CLIN.
• Funding Information: Sections for Amount of Funding Obligated, PR, and Funding Date are to be completed by the Government.

This schedule is critical for bidders to understand the project timeline, key performance indicators, reporting requirements, and the payment structure tied to achieving specific project milestones. It helps in planning resource allocation and understanding the phased approach to the project over its 24-month duration.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Task Description Document (TDD) to be completed by the performer for the "Smash" program. It outlines the structure and content required for defining project details, technical tasks, deliverables, program management, and meeting/travel requirements.

• Project Overview: Description of the project, its importance, goals, objectives, and metrics.
• Technical Tasks & Deliverables: Detailed breakdown of research tasks, including technical goals, approach, timelines (start/end dates in program months), responsible parties, and contribution to program milestones. Deliverable formats and specific content should be detailed here.
• Program Management: Requirements for program management tasks, including subcontractor management and reporting.
• Meeting & Travel Requirements: Any specified meeting and travel obligations.
• Government Furnished Information (GFI)/Government Furnished Property (GFP): Assumptions regarding GFI/GFP.

Bidders should use this template to structure their technical proposals and task descriptions. It provides a clear framework for detailing the proposed work, deliverables, and management approach, ensuring alignment with government expectations for the "Smash" program.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a certification form required for offerors responding to Solicitation No. DARPA-PA-26-04, "Smash" Other Transaction. It requires the offeror to certify compliance with various federal regulations and laws.

• Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility: Certification that the institution and its principals are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from federal transactions.
• Drug-Free Workplace: Commitment to providing a drug-free workplace, with a designated place of performance to be filled in.
• Nondiscrimination: Compliance with DoD Directive 5500.11 regarding nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs.
• Lobbying Restrictions (for actions > $100,000): Certification that no appropriated funds have been used to influence federal contracting, and disclosure requirements if other funds were used.
• Tax Liability and Felony Conviction: Representation regarding any unpaid Federal tax liability or felony conviction under Federal law within the preceding 24 months, as per appropriations acts.

Offerors must complete and sign this form to affirm their eligibility and compliance with key federal requirements. Failure to submit accurate certifications may impact the ability to enter into the transaction. The form requires specific details regarding the place of performance and representations about the offeror's corporate status concerning tax liabilities and criminal convictions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template provided for bidders to summarize their proposals for the DARPA-PS-26-04 Smash opportunity. It outlines the required sections and information to be included in a proposal summary slide.

• Full Proposal Title
• Organization Name(s)
• Technical POC Name(s)
• Graphic Area
• Description of Need and Problem
• Description of Goal
• Description of New Ideas
• Description of Existing Approaches/State of the Art

Bidders must use this template to structure and present their proposal summary. It guides the essential information to be conveyed, ensuring consistency across proposals and highlighting key aspects of the proposed solution for review.