Notwithstanding any provision of law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the central procurement office may satisfy any requirement for mailing by distributing solicitations electronically and posting solicitations to the central procurement office internet website. In addition, the central procurement office may receive responses electronically. In order to assure the fullest possible participation of small businesses and minority-owned businesses, the central procurement office shall not require such small businesses and minority-owned businesses to receive or respond to solicitations electronically.