What characterizes proprietary purchases?

Proprietary purchases are characterized by specifications that allow only one product or service to be supplied. This means that the purchasing entity has determined that only a specific vendor’s product meets their unique requirements, often due to the product's specialized nature, compatibility with existing systems, or proprietary technology.

This exclusivity can arise from various factors, such as patented technologies, specific brand requirements, or technical specifications that can only be fulfilled by a single provider. As a result, competitive bidding processes are typically not applicable to proprietary purchases because there aren't multiple vendors who can meet the stated needs.

Options that suggest multiple vendors, a competitive bidding process, or availability only through contract management do not align with the definition of proprietary purchases, as they imply competition and choice among various suppliers, which is not characteristic of proprietary goods or services.