Request for Proposal (RFP): Standardized Haptic Trackpad Tester

1. Introduction

With the release of the new haptic features in Windows 11, it has become ever more important to define a unified haptic performance standard, and a way to test and validate haptic performance in trackpads.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) invites vendors to submit proposals for the development and delivery of Standardized Haptic Trackpad Tester for Haptic Industry Forum (HIF) members and partners. The goal is to develop the future test standard for Windows trackpads, and the purpose of this RFP is to identify a vendor capable of providing such solution, i.e. a solution which meets the requirements outlined in the two documents PRD and RFP submission excel file.

The project will be divided into two main parts:

  • Haptic probe
  • Full test device, i.e. also incl. a movable arm and a fixed mounting surface

2. Proposal Submission Guidelines

Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to the email address in Section 6. Each proposal must include company background, relevant experience, timeline for readiness, support services for troubleshooting, detailed cost including shipping and a filled RFP submission excel file.

3. Timeline

The following target timeline applies to the RFP:

1 RFP release date Sept 4, 2026
2 Proposal submission deadline Oct 16, 2026
3 Vendor selection date Dec 2, 2026
4 Probe delivery for approval

Loaner unit (probe) delivered to HIF

Feb 3, 2027
5 Loaner unit (probe) – Evaluation completion by HIF 6 weeks after delivery
6 Probe – Deliveries to HIF members can start After final approval within HIF
7 Full test device – Evaluation start by HIF Jan 2027
8 Full test device – Evaluation completion by HIF (through videos or visit to suppliers) March 2027
9 Full test device – Deliveries to HIF members can start After final approval within HIF

 

It is still to be determined if the ‘Haptic probe’ and the ‘Full test device’ developments will be in a chronological or partly parallel order. The final approach depends largely on the vendors’ proposals.

4. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Ability to meet technical requirements as mentioned in PRD
  • Probe performance to be evaluated against a ‘golden sample(s) of laptop or trackpad’ at frequencies 100, 200, 300, 400 Hz with response in plane and out of plane of device
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Vendor experience on test equipment and qualifications
  • Worldwide support and maintenance offerings

5. Budget and Payment terms

Eventually purchase orders will come from HIF members and partners, and not from HIF itself. With that said, to become a successful haptic testing standard, HIF believes the target pricing of the test devices should be in the order of:

  • Haptic probe: <$5,000 USD (includes software – should expand in PRD)
  • Full test device: <$20,000 USD

HIF believes that with appropriate pricing, an annual sales volume of 10-30 devices (probe and full test device) can be reached.

6. Contact Information

For any questions or clarifications regarding this RFP, please contact: