[King_Corey]

More goes into these processes than that, I can assure you. Service, warranty, reliabilty, the whole TCO.

And Kohler isn’t the low bidder. Price alone is a bit more. So NOPE.

[Eaker]

So NOPE.

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.

[Eaker]

I left this out as it is common knowledge but since you listed it you may not know that it is.

Service, warranty, reliabilty (sic), the whole TCO.

The above is part of meeting spec.

Duh.