Effective Specification Procedures for Process Equipment and Systems in Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Construction: Final Report

摘要

The report presents the results of a study of contract administration practices and problems in the American publicly-funded water and wastewater treatment industry. Attention is focused on proprietary specifications and, in particular, the misuse and misinterpretation of the 'or equal' clause attached to many proprietary specifications sections. The review of a number of court decisions provides a legalistic view of the 'or equal' clause. Owner furnished equipment (OFE) contract administration practices are discussed. The report looks at reasons, advantages, and pitfalls of direct owner procurement of the major process materials, equipment, and systems incorporated into treatment plants.