The 2012 Next Generation Luminaires Solid-State Lighting Indoor Design Competition has officially launched. Written Intents to Submit are due by Dec. 16, 2011, and must be submitted online at www.ngldc.org. Final submission forms are due by Jan. 13, 2012, and physical product samples are due by Jan. 18. Judging takes place in February, and results will be announced at Lightfair International in May. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), NGL recognizes and promotes excellence in the design of energy-efficient LED commercial lighting luminaires, based on the market's critical concerns about product performance and quality. Judges examine lighted samples in their intended applications, as well as photometric and other documentation, looking at criteria such as quality and quantity of illumination, energy efficiency, and serviceability. Products meeting the judges' diverse criteria are recognized and from this group additional awards are given. In 2010 there were 138 entries, with 33 “Recognized” winners and 4 “Best in Class” winners.