If you use restrictive or proprietary specifications for an item, what must the specifications include?

Using restrictive or proprietary specifications can limit competition among vendors and suppliers by focusing on a specific brand or product. To address this limitation, it is essential for the specifications to include an "Or Equal" clause. This clause allows for the inclusion of equivalent products that may meet the same necessary standards or performance criteria. This approach promotes fairness in the bidding process by providing opportunities for other manufacturers to offer their products, potentially at lower costs or with different benefits, while still maintaining the integrity of the project specifications.

Incorporating an "Or Equal" clause ensures that while a specific item is identified, alternatives can be considered, fostering competition and possibly yielding savings for the project. With this in mind, it is crucial that the specifications clearly state the minimum requirements any substitute must meet to be considered acceptable.