We always have to remember that if you didn't put it in the spec, you can't consider it in your evaluation. Sometimes, you might spec a particular product and someone bids something else that they think appears equivalent. If we test something and it's equal to the name brand product, then it becomes an approved equal. The purchasing office maintains the approved list.
Price is a factor.
Because we are a state university, we have to start with the three lowest bids. We just keep going up the line. And we'll get lots of samples in at times because we're not happy with the low bids, and we just keep working up. It is very important to quantify a product. You have to weigh, measure, and count it.