1. REQUEST #67662
Technologies to Adhere Plastic Films to Wet Surfaces
RESPONSE DUE DATE: November 21, 2011
MANAGER: Alfred T. Malouf, Ph.D.
SOLUTION PROVIDER HELP DESK
EMAIL: PhD@ninesigma.com PHONE: +1-216-283-3901
Opportunity
Licensing, product acquisition, contract research, joint
(click buttons above)
development, supplier agreement
Timeline
Phase 1 – Proof of concept – 6 months
Phase 2 – Commercial Development – 6 months
Financials
Phase 1 – up to $200,000
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND
NineSigma, representing a Global Plastic films resistant to water damage are ideal
Manufacturing Company, invites proposals for for wet and humid environments. However,
a technology that can rapidly attach or adhere adhering the plastic film in environments where
plastic film to surfaces in a high humidity the surface cannot be dried or carefully prepared
environment. is problematic. Film application is further
complicated by the need to complete the
The successful technology will: installation in less than one hour.
 Strongly attach 1-10 mil thick plastic films to The goal of this request is to find a reliable and
a wet surface (no need to dry surface) durable chemical or non-chemical technology for
 Maintain adherence to a continuously damp quickly attaching plastic films to wet epoxy or
surface for at least 1 year polyurethane coated textured or smooth
 Adhere to textured or smooth surfaces surfaces.
coated with epoxy or polyurethane
 Keep the plastic film stably positioned with POSSIBLE APPROACHES
repeated rubbing and scraping Possible approaches might include, but are not
 Be easy to use, i.e., require minimal to no limited to:
preparation of adhering surfaces
 Preferably be fully adherent in <1 hour  Adhesives that are either compatible with or
 Preferably allow the plastic films to be activated by water
repositioned for at least 5 minutes during  Underwater adhesives
application  Adhesives made by marine animals, e.g.,
 Preferably will also adhere to uncoated mussels
stainless steel, concrete, and ceramic  Micro- or Nano-technology
 Non-chemical attachment technologies,
e.g., suction or gecko technology
Offices: Cleveland - USA, Tokyo - Japan, Leuven - Belgium www.ninesigma.com
RFP format and graphics© Copyright 2011 NineSigma, Inc

2. NineSigma Request # 67622 Technologies to Adhere Plastic Films to Wet Surfaces Page 2
 Reversible adhesives RESPONDING TO THIS REQUEST
 Single component activated adhesives, e.g.,
light, heat, etc.
NON-CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE
By submitting a Response you represent that the
APPROACHES NOT OF INTEREST Response does not and will not be deemed to contain
The following approaches are not of interest: any confidential information of any kind whatsoever.
Your Response should be an executive summary (about
 Two-part chemicals that require mixing at 3 pages). The Response should briefly describe the
the point of application technical approach and provide information on
technology performance, background, and description of
ANTICIPATED PROJECT PHASES OR PROJECT PLAN the responding team and their related experience.
Phase 1 – Proof of concept - NineSigma’s By submitting a Response, you acknowledge that
client will examine and test initial prototypes and NineSigma’s client reserves the sole and absolute right
make a plan for improvements if necessary and discretion to select for award all, some, or none of
the Responses received for this announcement.
NineSigma’s client also may choose to select only
Phase 2 – Commercial development - specific tasks within a proposal for award. NineSigma's
Respondent will work with NineSigma’s client to client has the sole and absolute discretion to determine
develop a plan to commercialize the new design all award amounts.
APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO THIS REQUEST RESPONSE EVALUATION
Responses from companies (small to large), NineSigma’s client will evaluate the Response using the
academic researchers, other research institutes, following criteria:
consultants, entrepreneurs, or inventors are
welcome.  Overall scientific and technical merit of the
proposed approach
 Approach to proof of concept or performance
Appropriate responses will use the proposal  Potential for proprietary position (i.e., is the
template and should include any available data technology novel or protectable)
that support the stated performance including:  Economic potential of concept
 Respondent’s capabilities and related experience
 Realism of the proposed plan and cost estimates
 Adhesion strength to wet and dry
surfaces The client will contact respondents with highly
 Time to reach full adherence responsive proposals for next steps.
 Description of the advantages of the
proposed solution compared to other
methods
 Estimation of time to complete the proof
of concept for the application
 Relevant authored patents, patent
applications
 Plan for achieving unmet requirements
Offices: Cleveland - USA, Tokyo - Japan, Leuven - Belgium www.ninesigma.com