Mel, We are owned by a county and fall under purchasing guidelines but we are allowed to demo and then specify a piece of equipment and then entertain bids from three Jac or Toro vendors. There are usually enough differences between mowers that I can write specs that only one brand meets.
I choose a piece of equipment based on cost, references but mainly how well the equipment preformed when we demoed it along. After we pick a unit the bid sheets will say "A Jacobsen GKIV or equivalent meeting the enclosed specs." We are allowed to write our own specs.
It works great for us and we get the piece of equipment that works for our course, not the cheapest.
BallMark said: I have heard of some government facilities that have good bid processes that their bid price is only 30% of the total bid award. I wonder if anyone else does this and would/could share their secrets or bid forms.
Thanks, Mel