official rules - [USSOCOM] Metal ops: smart city hackathon

1. participant requirements

• Open to individuals 18 years or older
• Open to teams of up to 5 members
• Must have a valid Devpost account & be registered on https://lu.ma/CM.hackathon
• Must have REQUESTED TO PARTICIPATE VIA HTTPS://LU.MA/CM.HACKATHON AND been selected as a particpant of the Hackathon and received formal notification from Code Metal. SIMPLY JOINING HACKATHON VIA DEVPOST SITE DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY REGISTER YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HACKATHON. YOU MUST BE FORMALLY ACCEPTED VIA EMAIL FROM CODE METAL BEFORE YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE HACKATHON.  
• INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM MUST COMPETE "IN-PERSON" AT THE EVENT.

2. JUDGING CRITERIA

USSOCOM: Metal Ops Smart City Hackathon – Judging Criteria
Below are the guidelines and procedures that will be used to determine the winning teams.

• A panel from Code Metal and Advisors will review all submissions and select six (6) finalists.

• Finalists will be announced prior to the Hackathon’s live "IN-PERSON" presentations.

• The six finalists will present on stage beginning at 2:30 PM Sunday.

• Presenters will be called at random to ensure impartiality and maintain audience engagement.

• Each team will have 5 minutes to showcase their project.

• After each 5-minute presentation, judges may ask clarifying questions for up to a few minutes.

• Questions will focus on:

1. Functionality (e.g., how well the prototype or demo meets its intended purpose)

2. Scalability (e.g., how the project can grow or adapt)

3. Impact (e.g., who benefits, real-world application)

Judges will privately assign a score from 0–5 points (with 5 being the highest) for each subsection listed below for each of the six (6) finalists.

In total, three subsections will be scored, for a maximum possible score of 15 points.

Impact (0–5)
Assesses how transformative the proposed solution could be if executed as described. Consider whether the problem is adequately addressed by existing solutions and if the team demonstrates a solid understanding of the domain.

Functionality (0–5)
Examines how well the prototype or demo meets its intended purpose. Evaluate whether the core features have been successfully implemented and showcased, and if there's a convincing plan to complete any unfinished features.

Feasibility & Scaling (0–5)
Rates the likelihood of successfully transitioning the prototype to a market-ready solution. Determine whether the team presents a clear, realistic strategy for moving beyond the prototype stage.

• After all presentations and scoring, each team’s overall total (out of 15 possible points) will be calculated.

• The top three teams with the highest total score will be then voted on.

• Judges will then rank the finalists, the highest average position will win. 

In the event of a tie, Code Metal Co-Founders Peter Morales and Alex Showalter-Bucher will make the final decision.

3. Disqualification

•  Incomplete submissions
•  Violations of rules or code of conduct
•  Plagiarism or misuse of third-party IP
•  Inappropriate or harmful content

Code of Conduct

1. Expected Behavior

•  Professional and respectful communication
•  Collaborative and inclusive environment
•  Honesty

2. Have fun!

DATES

Friday, March 14

• Cocktail Reception: 4:00 PM

Saturday, March 15

At the beginning of the day you will be oriented to the competition, equipement provided by Code metal and the guidelines for building and competing. If you do not have a team there will be time and space for team formation. The Code Metal Offices 18th Floor will be used as workspace as well as scheduled meals with guest speakers from the Department of Defense, and the industry.

• Hackathon Begins: 10:00 AM
• VIP Lounge Open: 10:00 AM-6 PM

Sunday, March 16

Final presentations will be given by teams to present their solutions and creations in front of a panel of judges. Judges will select winners. Post event Pizza Party!

• Team Submission Deadline: 2:00 PM
• Industry Speakers: 2:00 PM- 2:30 PM
• Judging: 2:30 - 3:15 PM
• Industry Speakers: 3:15 -3:45 PM
• Winner Announcement & Prizes: 4:00 PM