§13–117.

    (a)    It is the intent of the General Assembly to:

        (1)    recognize the need for State agencies to be responsive to the requests and legislative directives of the General Assembly;

        (2)    reduce the time it takes for State agencies to procure consultants to assist with legislative mandates that have deadlines specified in law; and

        (3)    be timely in addressing climate change, environmental, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions related issues.

    (b)    This section applies only to the procurement of consultants that:

        (1)    are legislatively mandated with specific time frames established in law; and

        (2)    will address issues related only to climate change, the environment, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions.

    (c)    The following units are authorized to issue competitive sealed bids higher than their designated small procurement delegation authorities:

        (1)    the Public Service Commission;

        (2)    the Office of People’s Counsel;

        (3)    the Maryland Energy Administration;

        (4)    the Department of the Environment; and

        (5)    the Department of Natural Resources.

    (d)    Before awarding a procurement contract under this section, the procurement officer shall obtain the approval of:

        (1)    the head of the unit; and

        (2)    the Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee.

    (e)    (1)    The Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee, shall approve a procurement contract submitted under this section if it complies with the requirements of this section.

        (2)    If the Chief Procurement Officer, or their designee, does not approve a procurement contract submitted under this section within 5 business days after receiving the contract, the contract shall be considered approved.