Which statement best describes Proprietary Specification?

• A. A specification for a specific product calling for desired materials by trade names and model numbers.
• B. A general performance criteria specification.
• C. A reference to quality standards established by testing authorities.
• D. A description of cost or price.

Answer: (A)

Proprietary specification means you call out a specific product and require its use, usually by brand name and model number. This locks in the exact material, finish, or system, giving the designer tight control over appearance and performance and making coordination with installers more predictable because everyone knows what must be used.

This approach is not about performance results alone (which would be a general performance criteria specification that allows any product meeting the criteria) or about referencing external standards (which points to quality or testing benchmarks rather than a single product). It also isn’t about cost details, which deal with pricing rather than selecting a particular product.

So, the statement that calls for a particular product by trade name and model number best captures the essence of a proprietary specification.