An emerging field at the intersection of artificial intelligence, materials science, physical chemistry, and nanotechnology targets the creation of intelligent matter. However, despite demonstration of interesting behaviors in molecular systems and soft materials, the production of truly intelligent matter remains elusive. To address this, Kaspar and colleagues articulate a theoretical framework purporting to guide and evaluate the progress of the field. In this chapter, I argue that the absence of a normative criterion by which to assess the behavior of proto-intelligent material systems prevents the framework from adequately serving its guiding and evaluative functions. Without a clear specification of what kinds of behaviors count as intelligent, researchers are unlikely to develop material systems that exhibit them. I propose to augment the IMF with a normative criterion requiring purportedly intelligent systems to implement concrete behaviors which contribute towards higher-order goals in virtue of the coordinated activity of their functional elements.