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Standard Issue Bureau
Introduction
Standard issue products in Uphor are government-approved essentials distributed for free to all citizens. These include everything from toothbrushes and vitamins to furniture, food staples, and basic electronics. All approved items carry the Standard Issue Seal, a mark of trust indicating safe, functional, and tested quality.
The system is overseen by an independent agency known as the Standard Issue Bureau.
Product Evaluation
The Standard Issue Bureau doesn’t manufacture anything, its role is to evaluate and approve. For each category (e.g. toothbrushes, boots, mattresses), several companies may submit proposals. Items that strike the best balance between function, comfort, and affordability are granted the seal and become eligible for government distribution. While it’s common for only one product to be approved per category, the bureau may approve multiple if:
No single provider can meet citywide demand
Two entries are functionally equal and suit different needs
A tie cannot be resolved without compromising service
The bureau generally prefers single-provider outcomes for simplicity and accountability.
When a winner is selected, the bureau publishes the rationale and summary results, but not full data. Companies who lose are given feedback, and may apply again in future rounds.
Companies walk a delicate line: standard issue products must meet basic comfort standards without overshadowing their own premium lines. In most categories, only one product is selected for distribution.
Products and Jurisdiction
The bureau’s authority includes:
Physical consumer goods (e.g. furniture, clothing, kitchenware)
Food products (including basic staples and some prepared items)
Over-the-counter health products (vitamins, general-purpose medications)
It does not cover:
Software subscriptions or digital services
Infrastructure or housing
Prescription medical goods (handled by healthcare systems)
Distribution: How Citizens Access Products
Approved items are available in several ways:
Standard Issue Stores
These government-funded stores offer only standard issue goods. They’re spread sparsely across the city and operate more like supply hubs than shops. There are no prices. Citizens simply check out what they need, within normal household limits.
Integrated Stocking in Other Stores
Most regular retailers also carry standard issue products on their shelves, stocked beside premium alternatives. These items are marked with the seal and can be picked up for free at checkout using your Mirror M7.
Quantity & Limits
Citizens can take what they reasonably need, typically defined by average household quantities. Excessive or suspicious pickup patterns may be flagged through M7 data, but tracking is minimal unless abuse is suspected. For bulk needs (e.g. group housing, special events), citizens may apply for special provisions.
Despite the potential for overuse, trust in the system remains high. The government has demonstrated consistent capacity to provide, and panic buying or hoarding behavior is rare.
Branding
Most standard issue items use a common branding with minimal packaging, with plain labeling and a visible seal. However, a few large brands, like realWater, retain custom-branded packaging for their standard lines, thanks to long-standing agreements or other forms of leverage.