A Spec for Pipe Schedule Method with Fire Pump?

I came across a specification requirement I've never seen before.

The specifications called for "sprinkler systems that require a fire pump to meet sprinkler requirements, all sprinkler pipe sizes shall be based on the Pipe Schedule method. This is to provide maximum sprinkler operation when the fire pump is not available, and minimizes the size of the fire pump. This also provides the possibility that with future water infrastructure improvements, the fire pump would no longer be required."

A few questions about this - first, if the Pipe Schedule method could be used, wouldn't a fire pump not be necessary in the first place?

Second, has anyone ran into something like this before and designed their system that way? For large facilities the only cost savings that comes back with having a fire pump is better pipe sizing. If that goes away, I could see the fire pump being a major cost burden above and beyond what it already is to the owner.

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