Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (paraphrased from CIPS L4M2 content)
CIPS L4M2 clearly distinguishes between conformance and performance specifications.
A conformance specification describes exactly what the item must be like – dimensions, materials, design drawings, tolerances, etc.
It is appropriate when the buyer already has a detailed design and simply wants the supplier to manufacture to that design.
In this scenario:
The buyer’s organisation has designed the specialist item and has a detailed specification.
They cannot manufacture it in-house, but they need the item exactly as designed.
This is precisely when CIPS says a conformance specification is appropriate: the purpose is to ensure the supplier delivers exactly what has been specified and that the item meets all the buyer’s technical and functional requirements.
Option D matches this principle exactly.
Option A mentions cost-effectiveness, which might happen, but it is not the main reason for using conformance specifications.
Options B and C describe issues that are either irrelevant or are more associated with over-specification or missed innovation opportunities, not with the basic correctness of using conformance specifications in this situation.
Relevant CIPS L4M2 areas:
Types of specification: conformance vs performance vs outcome
When to use buyer-designed (conformance) specifications
Risks and benefits of restricting supplier design freedom
