Working on a commercial office building that has a row of about 6 desks. The idea in the office is to surface mount a receptacle on each desk (not manufacture furniture) and route back to nearest wall with MC that is surface mounted to the desks.
I haven't seen this approach before. Typically I've seen manufacture furniture or show floor mounted outlets.
Will NEC allow this installation?
I can't think of any NEC Articles that would prohibit it (although, admittedly, I'm no Code guru).
My advice is to check with the Inspector beforehand. I know some jurisdictions won't allow you to mount any lights, receptacles, etc. on furniture unless the furniture is listed for it. This seems a bit extreme to me, but what do I know?
Our AHJ would allow your installation (provided the MC is protected from physical damage) if the desk is securely fastened in place (e.g. bolted down). If the desk is movable, they require it to be connected via cord-and-plug -- not a problem if you're putting in a light of some kind, since there are plenty of cord-and-plug options for lights, but it might be difficult to find a UL listed cord-and-plug connected receptacle box. Not saying they don't exist, I've just never seen one (unless you count power strips, which I've seen a lot of).
Nobody's every been able to point out to me in the Code where it says all this, although it does make sense -- you don't want your electrical wiring to be the only thing fastening the desk in place. I think it's a local rule, and probably an unwritten one.