[§103D-405]  Maximum practicablecompetition.  (a)  All specifications shall seek to promote overalleconomy for the purposes intended and encourage competition in satisfying theState's needs, and shall not be unduly restrictive.

(b)  Specifications, to the extent practicable,shall emphasize functional or performance criteria while limiting design orother detailed physical descriptions to those necessary to meet the needs ofthe State.

(c)  The State shall procure standardcommercial products whenever practicable.  In developing specifications,accepted commercial standards shall be used and unique requirements shall beavoided, to the extent practicable.

(d)  Outside contractors may be utilized toprepare specifications and work statements in the development of asolicitation.  Contractors paid for those services shall be precluded frombidding on or receiving a contract when they participated in any way in thedevelopment of the solicitation package or any resulting contract. [L Sp 1993,c 8, pt of §2]