(a) The commissioner may use independent contractors to assist in the evaluation of an application or in the development of contract terms under AS 43.82.200. The commissioner may condition the development of a contract under AS 43.82.020 on an agreement by the applicant to reimburse the state for the reasonable expenses of independent contractors under this section. A reimbursement of expenses that is required in an agreement authorized by this subsection may not exceed $1,500,000 for each application.
(b) An independent contractor selected under this section must sign an agreement regarding confidentiality and disclosures consistent with the determinations made under AS 43.82.310 before the contractor may review information that is determined confidential under AS 43.82.310.
(c) Selection of an independent contractor under this section is not subject to AS 36.30 (State Procurement Code).