[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 1] [Revised as of October 1, 2005] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR11.104] [Page 183] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 11_DESCRIBING AGENCY NEEDS--Table of Contents Subpart 11.1_Selecting and Developing Requirements Documents Sec. 11.104 Use of brand name or equal purchase descriptions. (a) While the use of performance specifications is preferred to encourage offerors to propose innovative solutions, the use of brand name or equal purchase descriptions may be advantageous under certain circumstances. (b) Brand name or equal purchase descriptions must include, in addition to the brand name, a general description of those salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics of the brand name item that an ``equal'' item must meet to be acceptable for award. Use brand name or equal descriptions when the salient characteristics are firm requirements. [64 FR 32742, June 17, 1999]