In one embodiment, a method for managing a smart network interface controller includes: sending a request for estimated resource requirements associated with the smart network interface controller to a baseboard management controller of the information handling system, the estimated resource requirements indicating estimated system resources likely to be required by emulated devices of the smart network interface controller; receiving the estimated resource requirements from the baseboard management controller; initializing the estimated system resources based on the estimated resource requirements; enumerating system resources for one or more additional devices of the information handling system; determining that the smart network interface controller is in a ready state; identifying actual resource requirements associated with the smart network interface controller indicating actual system resources required by the emulated devices of the smart network interface controller; and enumerating the actual system resources for the emulated devices of the smart network interface controller.