Specifications contained in the Invitation to Bid will, where practical, be nonrestrictive to provide an equal basis for competition and participation by an optimum number of qualified bidders. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Invitation to Bid, reference to any equipment, material, or supplies by trade name, make, or catalog number, shall be regarded as establishing a standard of quality and shall not be construed as limiting competition. All bids which offer a different trade name, make, or catalog number must state whether the item offered is equal or an alternate, and literature which describes the item offered must be provided, when available. The final decision as to whether an item is an equal or a satisfactory alternate shall be the responsibility of the Agent.