Smash Proposers Day
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) is hosting an in-person Proposers Day for its new 'Smash' program on February 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, at the DARPA Conference Center in Arlington, VA. This event is designed to introduce the scientific and technology community to the program's vision and goals, facilitate interaction, and encourage teaming arrangements. Registration is required by February 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Program Overview
The 'Smash' program aims to revolutionize material processing in the United States to achieve domestic resource independence. It seeks to develop technologies capable of universally processing and separating diverse raw materials with near-zero waste and high energy efficiency. This is envisioned as a 48-month, two-phase effort focused on developing energy-efficient and scalable separation techniques for industrial mining operations.
Event Details
The Proposers Day is open only to registered potential proposers and is closed to the general public and media. Attendance is limited to 176 individuals, with a maximum of three people per organization. Early registration is highly recommended due to limited space, and no on-site registration will be available.
Key Dates
- Published Date: February 2, 2026
- Registration Deadline: February 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
- Poster Due Date: February 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
- Non-U.S. Citizen Forms Deadline: February 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
- Proposers Day Event: February 24, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET
- Attendee List Request Deadline: February 27, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
Engagement Opportunities
Attendees can opt-in to share their contact information for teaming purposes. A poster session is available for the first 80 requests, offering a chance to showcase capabilities and build teams. DARPAConnect resources will also be available to guide entities new to DARPA.
Important Notes
This Special Notice is for informational and program planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation. Attendance is voluntary and does not guarantee future selection or participation in any potential solicitations. DARPA will not reimburse costs incurred for attending this event. The anticipated Program Announcement will be made available on SAM.gov prior to the Proposers Day.