I learned many years ago that mechanics have 'their' parts network. They will not search outside of their network. Since its at a Ford dealer - they will only use the genuine ford pump, which may not be available anymore. There are likely many aftermarket pumps that will work, but they aren't allowed to source it.
Our family van had a bad fuel pump when we were in Lake Havasau. Shop said it would be 2 days before they could get a pump. We went down the street to the auto part chain store and bought the pump. Shop installed it that afternoon. That was in a '93 Dodge Grand Caravan - not exactly a rare vehicle.
