(a) This subchapter shall not apply to the contracts of the Arkansas Department of Transportation that are covered by the technical work requirements and administrative controls of the Federal Highway Administration, nor shall the provisions of this subchapter be applicable to contracts entered into by the department in which the costs and fees are established by competitive bidding.
(b) This subchapter shall not apply to contracts of institutions of higher education that are for services related to patents, copyrights, or trademarks.
(c) This subchapter does not apply to contracts created under federally approved state plans for services reimbursed under Title V of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 701 — 710, or Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1396 — 1396v, as they existed on January 1, 2001, if those contracts and services conform to all applicable federal laws and rules, and to the ethical standards provided for in § 19-11-704.