Specification Writing and Development Flashcards
7 cards from real CPPO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Specification Writing and Development flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a specification in public procurement?
Answer: To clearly define the government's needs so qualified vendors can respond competitively
Specifications define the government's needs in clear, unambiguous terms so that all qualified vendors can compete on an equal basis.
Which type of specification describes what a product or service must do rather than how it must be built?
Answer: Performance specification
A performance specification defines the required outcomes, functions, or results, allowing vendors flexibility in how they achieve those results.
What is the main risk of using overly restrictive specifications in public procurement?
Answer: They may unfairly limit competition and expose the agency to bid protests
Overly restrictive specifications can eliminate qualified vendors, reduce competition, and create grounds for a bid protest alleging unfair procurement practices.
A 'brand name or equal' specification is used when:
Answer: A specific brand establishes salient characteristics but equal products are acceptable
A 'brand name or equal' specification identifies a specific product to convey the required salient characteristics while still permitting equivalent products from other vendors.
What are 'salient characteristics' in the context of specification writing?
Answer: The essential physical, functional, or performance features a product must possess
Salient characteristics are the essential, distinguishing features that an 'or equal' product must possess to be considered acceptable.
Which specification type is MOST likely to restrict competition to a single vendor?
Answer: Proprietary specification
A proprietary specification describes requirements in terms of a specific manufacturer's product, effectively limiting competition to one supplier unless justified.
What is a 'design specification' in public procurement?
Answer: A specification that details exact physical and material requirements for how a product must be constructed
A design specification prescribes precise measurements, materials, processes, and other physical details of what must be produced or built.