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For a discussion of the four methods, see Construction Specifications Institute's Manual of Practice. The University has elected to follow Section 3400 of the Public Contract Code which requires the use of nonrestrictive (open) specifications. Nonrestrictive specifications use one or more of the four methods written in such a manner as to make the specification "open". A "closed" specification limits a product to a single manufacturer or group of manufacturers. This type of specification is generally prohibited by the Code. An "open" specification allows products of any manufacturer to be used if the product meets the specified requirements. Examples and discussion of the four specification methods and their nonrestrictive specifying application follow.
Descriptive Specifications
A descriptive specification provides a written detail of a products properties without the use of trade or brand names. Example: Sand: Clean, washed, sharp, durable natural particles, free from soluble salts or organic impurities. Sand for grouting shall be screened to pass a 30 mesh sieve with not more than 5% passing a 100 mesh screen. The above descriptive specification is "open." However, a descriptive specification drafted to limit the product choice to one brand or a limited number of brands is "closed". Simply copying a manufacturer's descriptive specification would probably produce a "closed" descriptive specification.
Performance Specifications
Performance specifications set forth the ends to be achieved, not the means of achieving the desired result. Example: Exhaust fan performance. Capacity of 500 CFM against a static pressure of 0.5 inches of water column.
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Reference Standards
Reference standards specify standards such as ASTM, State of California, Federal, etc. The various manufacturers must meet these standards. Example: Portland Cement: Conform to ASTM C150, Type I or Type II, low alkali. Maximum total alkali shall not exceed 0.6 percent. This type of specification is "closed" when some requirement of a standard limits competition by referencing certain subcontractors or manufacturers.
Proprietary Specifications
Proprietary specifications identify the desired product by manufacturer, brand name, model or type designation, or important characteristics. Example: Floor tiles shall be "Contempo" as manufactured by Kentile Corp. A proprietary specification is allowed only under the conditions listed in Volume 4, Chapter 1 Approval of Materials. Also see paragraph 5.b.(3) below. Proprietary specifications can be made "open" by adding the phrase "or equal" as described in paragraph 5, Nonrestrictive specifications.
Nonrestrictive Specifications
Nonrestrictive specifications are "open" specifications; the type required by the Public Contract Code. Descriptive, Proprietary, Reference Standards or Performance Specifications or combinations of such methods, are written in such a manner as not to limit competition. Descriptive and performance specifications are made nonrestrictive (open) by making certain the description or performance requirements do not refer to manufacturers or trade names or do not use the description or performance requirements of a single manufacturer or subcontractor. a) Proprietary specifications may be made nonrestrictive (open) by using brand or trade names with specific model numbers or styles to show the quality desired; followed by the phrase "or equal". b) Long Form Specification Section 01630 Product Options and Substitutions, defines "or equal". Example: Globe Valves: All bronze, union bonnet, Walworth No. 95 or 96; Kennedy Fig. 89 or 90; Crane No. 7 or 17, or equal. Example: Waterproof Glue: Polyvinyl acetate emulsion with 55% solids. "Wilhold" manufactured by Acorn Adhesives; "Weldwood" manufactured by U.S. Plywood; or equal.
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