So YEP.
I do this for a living and have done so for thirty years. Procurement Managers don't just get to buy whatever the hell they want based on anecdotal experience or premonitions.
If it doesn't meet spec. the bid is thrown out. If it does meet spec. lowest bid gets it. That is why the bid system is used and why it works.
This is standard business practice unless corruption is involved. The spending of other's money based on one's brand loyalty or "opinion" IS corruption no different from accepting a kick-back.
That’s why proper spec writing and tech tabs still get engineers free lunches.
< grin >