NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

Which specification type allows for substitutions of approved products?

1. Prescriptive (closed) specification

2. Performance (open) specification

3. Base-bid (equal) specification

4. Pure performance specification

The correct answer is: Base-bid (equal) specification

The correct answer is based on the nature of the specification type in question, which is a base-bid (equal) specification. This type of specification allows for a primary product to be designated, but it also allows for alternatives to be submitted for approval, provided those alternatives are determined to be equal in performance, quality, and functionality. In a base-bid specification, the designer or architect can specify a preferred product while acknowledging that other products may meet the required criteria. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in ensuring that project budgets are met and that more options are available for achieving the desired design intent. The other specification types have more restrictive guidelines: prescriptive specifications detail exact products and materials without allowances for substitutions; performance specifications focus on the final results or performance criteria expected from the products, rather than naming specific products; and pure performance specifications allow for product selection based solely on performance characteristics but typically do not emphasize the equal standing of different products in terms of bidding.