Request for Proposal
Partner for Switchable Dimming Film from Black to Transparency
Status: RFP is Closed
Opportunity
Joint/contract development, licensing
Timeline
1) Applicability test: September 2020
2) Small-volume prototype production: until March 2022
3) Sample work/large-volume prototype production:
until December 2024
4) Mass production: scheduled for 2025
Financials
Details to be discussed.
How to Apply
- Click on "Respond", complete the form to the extent possible, and submit along with other attachment files available.
- After creating your account for NineSights, your draft will be automatically saved and you can resume later from "Control Center". Please note you do not submit confidential information at this process.
- This request for proposals in PDF format is available here.
SOLUTION PROVIDER HELP DESK
RFP was closed on
Jan 2019
RFP Title
Partner for Switchable Dimming Film from Black to Transparency
RFP Description
NineSigma, representing a major material manufacturer, seeks partners to develop a switchable dimming film that changes from a natural black (dark gray) color to transparency. We particularly expect technologies that enable the active modulation of black color and transparency. An elemental technology or film formation technology are also welcomed.
Background
In recent years, smart windows have been increasingly used to improve the energy conservation and comfort of automobiles and buildings. The Client has been developing a light-modulating film used for smart windows and aims to develop a light-modulating film that can switch between natural black (dark gray) color and transparency in high contrast in order to further improve convenience and quality. While the Client is pursuing the development of the technologies, a broad range of technologies are being studied around the world in relation to light-modulating films. The Client has therefore decided to make this RFP to further accelerate the development of their own technologies.
Key Success Criteria
The Client aims to develop the switchable dimming film for automobiles or building materials that meets the following requirements:
- A light-modulating film that can control the change from natural black or dark gray color (light-shielding) to transparency (transmission) in high contrast
- Transmission of black or dark gray color: 1-10%
- Transmission of transparency: ≥50%
- Haze value for transparency: ≤3%
- Color tone switching time: preferably, ≤5 seconds
- Dimensions
- Width: ≥1 m
- Thickness: approx. 350 μm
- Length: preferably, a roll-type film that can be cut into arbitrary lengths
- Having excellent heat- and light- resistance, preferably
- For example, retaining its performance in an exposure test of over 500 hours under a temperature of 100°C
Technology requirements
- The Client seeks the materials, flexible devices, elemental technologies, and film formation technologies that can help realize the above-mentioned switchable dimming film
Note that a proposal at a concept stage is also welcome, even if the technology does not meet the requirements described above at present.
Proposer requirements
To be able to provide prototype samples or to process based on proposed technologies.
Possible Approaches
Possible Approaches
The Client expects technologies such as the following, but is open to others:
- Suspended Particle Device technology
- Electrochromic technology
- Liquid Crystal technology
Items to be Submitted
Please include the following items in your proposal:
- Overview of proposed technology (i.e., characteristics, principle, uniqueness)
- Development stage: performance verified at a lab level, under development for practical use, or implemented for practical use
- Current performance
- Achievable color tones and their visible light transmission
- Haze value for transparency or light-shielding
- Time required to switch between color tones
- Dimensions, thickness
- Possibility of realizing film creation
- Operating life (repeatability, heat resistance, and light resistance if data are available)
- Current challenges and future development plans/costs
- Sample test conditions (e.g., quantity that can be provided, cost, period, contract terms)
- Past results (e.g., related research papers, patents)
Notes on Response
Proposal shall have clear points and should not include confidential information. Supplemental files may be submitted in addition to the proposal.
Response evaluation
The client will evaluate all responses with the following criteria.
- Overall scientific and technical merit
- Approach to proof of concept or performance
- Economic potential of concept
- Realism of the proposed plan (action items, timeline, roles, deliverables, cost estimation)
- Potential for proprietary position
- Respondents’ capability and related experiences
Anticipated Project Process
After the submission due date, the client will review all submitted proposals. NineSigma will send the review results to each proposer 6-8 weeks after the due date. The client possibly asks clarifying questions before selecting the most suitable candidates for collaboration. The client will select best candidates through evaluations. During the selection process, the client may execute NDA with selected respondents, seek further information disclosure, and discuss specific development targets or potential opportunities.
The client will execute necessary agreements with the selected respondents and move to the advanced development phase. Specifics of any collaboration will be determined through consultation with the concerned parties.
Attachments
| Name | Creation Time | |
|---|---|---|
 | AdditionalInformationSheet.docx | Nov 20, 2018 |
 | RFP-2018_3891_switchable dimming film.pdf | Nov 20, 2018 |