Section 10. Special contract provisions.
(a) Architects and engineers.--Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2401.1 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, regarding the selection of architects and engineers, the Office of Administration may select qualified architects and engineers through a request for proposal process for the projects contained in sections 3(1)(i)(A) and 4(1)(i)(A) for a communication and information infrastructure. The contract may be awarded on the basis of the best interest of the Commonwealth to a responsive and responsible proposer. Although cost shall be considered as a factor, it need not be the determining factor.
(b) Award.--Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, the Office of Administration may solicit, through a request for proposals, and award contracts for the construction of projects contained in sections 3(1)(i)(A) and 4(1)(i)(A) for a communication and information infrastructure. The contract may be awarded on the basis of the best interest of the Commonwealth to a responsive and responsible proposer. Although cost shall be considered as a factor, it need not be the determining factor.
(c) Contracts.--The projects itemized in sections 3(1)(i)(A) and 4(1)(i)(A) are exempt from the provisions of the first paragraph of section 1 of the act of May 1, 1913 (P.L.155, No.104), entitled "An act regulating the letting of certain contracts for the erection, construction, and alteration of public buildings."