(a)
(1) Every contract for professional consultant services covered by this subchapter that is executed using the professional and consultant service contract form approved by the State Procurement Director shall be filed with the Office of State Procurement.
(2) The execution date of all contracts shall be defined as the date upon which performance of the services to be rendered under the contract is to begin and not the date upon which the agreement was made.
(b)
(1) No purchase order shall be paid if a copy of the contract under which the payment is being made has not previously been filed with the Office of State Procurement.
(2) No payment shall be made covering services rendered prior to the execution date of the contract.
(c)
(1) It is the intent of the General Assembly that this section be strictly construed and enforced.
(2) However, in the unusual event that an obligation has been incurred by a state agency under any contractual agreement or proposed contract prior to the approval of the contract, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State may approve payment for such services after having first received the review of the Legislative Council.