Is it acceptable to use brand names in tender documentation?
Paragraph 8.49 of the CPGs states that technical specifications ‘must not require or refer to a particular trademark or trade name, patent, copyright, design or type, specific origin, producer, or supplier, unless there is no other sufficiently precise or intelligible way of describing the requirement. In exceptional circumstances, where this type of specification is absolutely necessary words such as ‘or equivalent’ must be included in the specification.’ Instead of using brand names, agencies should specify that property or services sought must meet particular performance and functional requirements. Agencies are able to use specific brand names where they need to specify a requirement for compatibility or interoperability with existing equipment or software.
