Sec. 1. (a) Whenever public notice is required by this article, notice shall be given by publication in the manner prescribed by IC 5-3-1. (b) The purchasing agent may give notice other than as required in IC 5-3-1 that the purchasing agent considers will increase competition. (c) The purchasing agent shall schedule all notices given under this section to provide a reasonable amount of time for preparation and submission of responses after notification. The period between: (1) the last publication, mailing, or posting of notices required by this section; and (2) the final date set for submitting offers; must be at least seven (7) calendar days. As added by P.L.49-1997, SEC.1.