Sounds like you're talking about an RFQ ... or PPQ, there Neil.
I was thinking more about the equipment specs held by the MoH (National Guard, MODA, Royal Commission
et al). The MoH had their own (actually I know the origin of them ... they weren't done in Riyadh, of course ... not back in 1976 at any rate). And some of the others just mentioned are based upon American Federal Specs, ECRI and other sources.
But the key thing is that standard equipment specs are held, in a rationalised and standardised format, they continue to be developed in light of experience, and are used when seeking tenders for new equipment (not to mention new hospitals)!
RFQ : Request for Quotation (or Request for Proposal)
PPQ : Pre-Purchase Questionnaire
There's nothing wrong with consultants charging for their services. They (we) have to eat just like everyone else!
