(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the specification writer must write specifications in accordance with FAR 11.002.
(b)(1) When the specification writer determines that a particular physical or functional characteristic of only one product will meet the minimum requirements of VA (see FAR 11.105) or that a ``brand name or equal'' purchase description must be used (see FAR 11.104), the specification writer must identify the item(s) for the contracting officer and do one of the following:
(1) When the specification writer determines that a particular physical or functional characteristic of only one product will meet the minimum requirements of VA (see FAR 11.105) or that a ``brand name or equal'' purchase description must be used (see FAR 11.104), the specification writer must identify the item(s) for the contracting officer and do one of the following:
(i) Provide a full written justification of the reason the particular characteristic is essential to the Government's requirements.
(ii) Explain why the ``brand name or equal'' purchase description is necessary.
(2) The contracting officer makes the final determination whether restrictive specifications or ``brand name or equal'' purchase descriptions will be included in the solicitation.