(a) Preparation of Texas Uniform Standards and Specifications.
(1) The procedure used in developing uniform standards
and specifications includes consultation, research, collection, and
evaluation of data, and preparation of the specification. The division
consults with knowledgeable people in various state agencies, user
advisory groups, purchasers, vendors, manufacturers, distributors,
bidders, governmental and trade associations, colleges and universities,
testing laboratories, and other experts.
(2) Uniform standards and specifications from federal,
state, and local governments and standards agencies, such as ASTM,
SAE, and others, and product literature from manufacturers, distributors,
etc., are obtained, studied, and their contents evaluated.
(3) A proposed specification is then prepared by stipulating
minimum requirements necessary to provide products of the level of
quality required by various state agencies.
(4) This draft specification is then distributed to
the individuals and groups initially contacted as well as other interested
parties for their review, comments, and suggestions.
(5) Comments and suggestions received are reviewed,
analyzed, and evaluated, and the proposed specification modified accordingly.
(6) If, as a result of this analysis and evaluation,
major changes in the proposed specification are made, then a second
proposed specification is prepared and distributed and the process
outlined in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection is followed.
(7) If no major change in the proposed specification
is made, then the uniform standard and specification is finalized
and distributed.
(8) Comments and suggestions received from the distribution
of a second proposed specification are reviewed, analyzed, evaluated,
and the process outlined in paragraphs (4) - (7) of this subsection
is followed.
(9) This process is continued until a uniform standard
and specification is developed that will provide the level of quality
required by the state and that will provide competitive bidding.
(10) The agency user advisory groups provide the division
with their individual requirements and otherwise assist in the preparation
and development of specifications.
(b) Distribution of Texas Uniform Standards and Specifications.
The initial distribution of newly adopted or prepared uniform standards
and specifications is to state agencies, vendors/distributors and
manufacturers contacted during the development phase of the uniform
standard and specification and subsequently to others upon request.
(c) Approved products list.
(1) A manufacturer, vendor, or distributor may submit
a product for inclusion in an established approved product list to
the division, along with technical literature and product specifications.
The product may then be tested and the results evaluated and compared
with the minimum level of quality for the approved products list.
(2) A product can be removed from the approved products
list if:
(A) the quality of a given product is decreased; or
(B) the minimum level of quality for the approved products
list is increased in order to provide the quality of products required
by state agencies.
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