1. REQUEST # 67668
Detection Mechanisms to Signal Bacterial Contamination in Cleaning
Implements
RESPONSE DUE DATE: December 9, 2011
MANAGER: Jack Lienesch
SOLUTION PROVIDER HELP DESK
EMAIL: PhD@ninesigma.com PHONE: +1-216-283-3901
Opportunity
Licensing, product acquisition, contract research, proof of
(click buttons above)
concept leading to scale-up to manufacturing, joint development,
supplier agreement, etc.
Timeline
Phase 1 – Rapid evaluation on commercially advanced solutions
(preferred) or development of proof of concept
Phase 2 – Additional commercial development to be determined
Financials
Phase 1 – Laboratory proof of concept funding up to
US$ 100,000
Phase 2 – To be negotiated
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION  Embedded chemical/visual sensors that
signal contamination (preferably visually
NineSigma, representing a global Fortune 500 and without electronic components)
manufacturer, seeks proposals for the
development of technologies that would provide BACKGROUND
users, specifically household consumers, with a
means to quickly and accurately tell when Current household cleaning implements
cleaning implements such as sponges, scrub (sponges, scrubbers, cloths) are typically low
pads, or cloths require replacement. Of tech, low cost products that provide no feedback
particular interest are partners with technology on remaining useful life or current condition. In
solutions that are ready to commercialize or general, the current products are inert, and
could be readied for commercialization within 1- unresponsive to changes in their environment or
2 years. The focus of this Request is specifically level of bacterial contamination. This leaves the
on solutions that are extremely low-cost. user with no feedback on the products or their
safety. While simple incorporation of colorants
Examples of novel approaches of interest would into products can show users a time-based
include but are not limited to: indication of when to change products, these are
not actually correlated to extent of contamination
 Chemical treatments for materials that or cleanliness. Recognizing this, consumers
change color to indicate bacterial typically ignore these indicators since they are
contamination or end-of-functional-life not related to what is potentially harmful.
Offices: Cleveland - USA, Tokyo - Japan, Leuven - Belgium www.ninesigma.com
RFP format and graphics© Copyright 2011 NineSigma, Inc

2. NineSigma Request #67668 Detection Mechanisms to Signal Bacterial Contamination in Cleaning Implements Page 2
What is lacking is a low cost method for imparting I am a company or academic person with
a sensor into cleaning implements that can alert technology which should provide a solution ready
the user to potential contamination, specifically for testing and transfer to commercial use.
bacterial contamination.
I am a company or academic person with
POSSIBLE APPROACHES technology which should provide a solution but
that requires further research and development
Examples of applications of interest for to ready it for transfer to commercial use.
NineSigma’s client would include the following
(note, your technology does not necessarily need
to address one of these specific examples): RESPONDING TO THIS REQUEST
 Technology solutions that target reducing NON-CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE
potential transmission of pathogens By submitting a Response you represent that the
 Indicators that provide process-control Response does not and will not be deemed to contain
information on the fidelity of the cleaning any confidential information of any kind whatsoever.
implements’ ability to maintain a low Your Response should be an executive summary (about
transmission potential 3 pages). The Response should briefly describe the
technical approach and provide information on
technology performance, background, and description of
the responding team and their related experience.
APPROACHES NOT OF INTEREST
By submitting a Response, you acknowledge that
NineSigma’s client reserves the sole and absolute right
 Solutions requiring sophisticated and discretion to select for award all, some, or none of
hardware, electronics, or bulky equipment the Responses received for this announcement.
NineSigma’s client also may choose to select only
 External sterilization techniques or specific tasks within a proposal for award. NineSigma's
processes client has the sole and absolute discretion to determine
all award amounts.
 Indicator technologies based on time of
use, rather than presence or level of
bacterial contamination RESPONSE EVALUATION
NineSigma’s client will evaluate the Response using the
following criteria:
ANTICIPATED PROJECT PHASES OR PROJECT PLAN
 Overall scientific and technical merit of the
proposed approach
Phase 1 – Proof of concept or evaluation of  Approach to proof of concept or performance
advanced solutions in our client’s laboratory  Potential for proprietary position (i.e., is the
technology novel or protectable)
Phase 2 – Commercial development to be
 Economic potential of concept
determined  Respondent’s capabilities and related experience
 Realism of the proposed plan and cost estimates
CRITERIA FOR MOVING FROM PHASE 1 TO PHASE 2
The client will contact respondents with highly
responsive proposals for next steps.
Demonstrate in our client’s laboratory that the
proposed approach meets all the requirements
APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO THIS REQUEST
Responses from companies (small to large),
academic researchers, other research institutes,
consultants, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, or
inventors are welcome.
Offices: Cleveland - USA, Tokyo - Japan, Leuven - Belgium www.ninesigma.com