Although much of the equipment used by dentists is thrown away after one use, many of the instruments used to clean teeth, fill cavities, and deal with impactions and other dental problems are made of steel and must be sterilized. A dentist is considering replacing his conventional steam sterilizer with a chemical sterilizer that cleans without rusting or corroding instruments. Because the dentist is already familiar with sterilizers, he is looking to find the best price possible on a chemical sterilizer. He is engaged in a ________.