Sec. 5. (a) The procedure described in this section may be used by a purchasing agent when both of the following are satisfied:
(1) The purchasing agent makes a written determination that the development of specifications by the governmental body is not feasible.
(2) The executive of the governmental body approves of the use of this section.
(b) The purchasing agent may issue a request for specifications that must include the following:
(1) The factors or criteria that will be used in evaluating the specifications.
(2) A statement concerning the relative importance of evaluation factors.
(3) A statement concerning whether discussions may be conducted with persons proposing specifications to clarify the specification requirements.
(c) The purchasing agent shall give notice of the request for specifications under IC 5-3-1.
(d) As provided in the request for specifications, the purchasing agent may discuss proposed specifications with persons proposing specifications to clarify specification requirements.
(e) Persons proposing specifications must be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion and revisions of proposed specifications.