Common use of Equivalent Quality of Materials - "Approved Equal Clause in Contracts

Equivalent Quality of Materials - "Approved Equal. All materials and equipment which are designated in the Contract Documents by a number in a catalog of any manufacturer or by a manufacturer's grade or trade name are designated for the purpose of describing the article and fixing the standard of the quality and finish. Mater- ials and equipment which are, in the opinion of the Commissioner, the equivalent to that specified, will be accepted. The submission of any material, or article, as the "approved equal" of the materials or articles set forth in the Contract Documents as a standard shall be accompanied by illustrations, drawings, descriptions, catalogs, records of tests, samples and any and all other information essential for judging the equality to the materials, finish and durability of that specified in the Contract Documents, as well as information indicating satisfactory use under similar operating conditions. Where the Contract Documents provide that the manufacturer's directions are to be followed, such printed directions shall be submitted to the Commissioner. Samples taken from various deliveries during the progress of the Work and during the maintenance period, when tested and analyzed, shall exhibit qualities equal or superior to those of the sample submitted with or described in the bid, and no change of materials shall be made without written permission of the Commissioner.