HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2737

(b) [Notwithstanding any other provision of State law,
if] SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 21, IF the
planning, acquisition, construction, improvement,
maintenance, or operation of any airport facility is
financed with federal money, the Administration may contract
as required by the federal authorities acting under federal
law.

[5-214.

(a)  This section does not apply to contracts for
professional services or the services of employees.

(b)  (1) The Administration shall advertise and award
on sealed bids to the lowest responsible bidder:

(i) Each contract costing over $10,000 for
the construction, reconstruction, or improvement of any
airport facility; and

(ii) Each contract costing over $5,000 for
the purchase of supplies, equipment, and materials.

(2)  For these contracts, a notice requesting
sealed bids shall be published:

(i) In a manner reasonably likely to
attract prospective bidders;

(ii) At least 10 days before the bids are
to be received; and

(iii) In at least two newspapers of
general circulation in this State.

(3)   In its discretion, the Administration may
reject any and all bids and readvertise.

(c)  (1) This subsection applies only to advertised
contracts for the purchase of supplies, equipment, or
materials.

(2) If, after rejecting bids, the Administration
determines that, in its opinion, the supplies, equipment, or
materials can be purchased at a lower price in the open
market, the Administration, without further observing the
provisions requiring bids or notice, may:

(i) Give each responsible bidder an
opportunity to negotiate a price; and

(ii) Purchase the supplies, equipment, or
materials in the open market at a negotiated price that is
lower than the lowest rejected bid of a responsible bidder.

(d)  The Administration shall adopt rules and
regulations to provide for contracting with or purchasing