(a) Preparation of Texas Uniform Standards and Specifications.
  (1) The procedure used in developing uniform standards and specifications includes consultation, research, collection, and evaluation of data, and preparation of the specification. The division consults with knowledgeable people in various state agencies, user advisory groups, purchasers, vendors, manufacturers, distributors, bidders, governmental and trade associations, colleges and universities, testing laboratories, and other experts.
  (2) Uniform standards and specifications from federal, state, and local governments and standards agencies, such as ASTM, SAE, and others, and product literature from manufacturers, distributors, etc., are obtained, studied, and their contents evaluated.
  (3) A proposed specification is then prepared by stipulating minimum requirements necessary to provide products of the level of quality required by various state agencies.
  (4) This draft specification is then distributed to the individuals and groups initially contacted as well as other interested parties for their review, comments, and suggestions.
  (5) Comments and suggestions received are reviewed, analyzed, and evaluated, and the proposed specification modified accordingly.
  (6) If, as a result of this analysis and evaluation, major changes in the proposed specification are made, then a second proposed specification is prepared and distributed and the process outlined in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection is followed.
  (7) If no major change in the proposed specification is made, then the uniform standard and specification is finalized and distributed.
  (8) Comments and suggestions received from the distribution of a second proposed specification are reviewed, analyzed, evaluated, and the process outlined in paragraphs (4) - (7) of this subsection is followed.
  (9) This process is continued until a uniform standard and specification is developed that will provide the level of quality required by the state and that will provide competitive bidding.
  (10) The agency user advisory groups provide the division with their individual requirements and otherwise assist in the preparation and development of specifications.
(b) Distribution of Texas Uniform Standards and Specifications. The initial distribution of newly adopted or prepared uniform standards and specifications is to state agencies, vendors/distributors and manufacturers contacted during the development phase of the uniform standard and specification and subsequently to others upon request.
(c) Approved products list.
  (1) A manufacturer, vendor, or distributor may submit a product for inclusion in an established approved product list to the division, along with technical literature and product specifications. The product may then be tested and the results evaluated and compared with the minimum level of quality for the approved products list.
  (2) A product can be removed from the approved products list if:
    (A) the quality of a given product is decreased; or
    (B) the minimum level of quality for the approved products list is increased in order to provide the quality of products required by state agencies.

Source Note: The provisions of this §20.183 adopted to be effective January 24, 2017, 42 TexReg 232