B-135996, B-135997, SEPTEMBER 8, 1958, 38 COMP. GEN. 190

CONTRACTS - SPECIFICATIONS - DEFINITENESS REQUIREMENT - AWARDS TO OTHER THAN LOW BIDDER - CANCELLATION - APPROPRIATION OBLIGATION ALTHOUGH IN ADVERTISED PROCUREMENTS THE DRAFTING OF SPECIFICATIONS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE DETERMINATION OF WHETHER EQUIPMENT OFFERED CONFORMS TO THE SPECIFICATIONS ARE MATTERS FOR THE PROCUREMENT AGENCY. THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE IN THE SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND THE DETERMINATION OF THE AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS IS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE WHETHER SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUFFICIENTLY DEFINITE SO THAT FREE AND FULL COMPETITION IS AFFORDED TO EFFECT A VALID CONTRACT PURSUANT TO THE STATUTES GOVERNING PROCUREMENT BY FORMAL ADVERTISEMENT.