Federal specifications are written to establish minimum standards for purposes of competitive bidding and to ensure that government agencies will receive quality material. Some flooring materials, however, cannot be classed under these specifications because only one manufacturer makes the products. Prices of the federal specifications may be obtained from the General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20405, or the nearest GSA regional office.
Commercial Standards are specifications that establish quality levels for manufactured products in accordance with the principal demands of the trade. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 3460, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-3460, will supply a price list.
WINDOWS
Selection of a proper window for a building entails many considerations. Functional requirements are usually most important. However, size, type, arrangement, and materials very often establish the character of the building, and this external show of fenestration is an integral part of design and expression.
