Whats the difference between “non-proprietary” and “proprietary” specification sections?
Over 90 percent of the SpecLink-E sections are non-proprietary, descriptive specifications. That means that the master text has been written to allow the user to prepare a good specification without listing either a manufacturer’s name or the name of a brand name product. This allows a contractor or bidder to propose any specific brand name product that has the specified characteristics, subject to the rules specified in the bidding documents. Non-proprietary, descriptive specifications are commonly accompanied by lists of acceptable manufacturers or brand name products, either as examples of some that would be acceptable (“pre-approved”) or as the only ones that are allowed unless specific approval is given under a substitution process. SpecLink-E’s non-proprietary sections allow both of these options and include some sample manufacturer names in lists for use if they are appropriate. Non-proprietary sections are shown in the tree panel in blue text. Proprietary specifications, on the
