As an alternative to the procedures set forth in section 903 of this title, the Commissioner may elect to purchase any of the items mentioned in this chapter through a program established by the federal General Services Administration to supply federal agencies with supplies and materials, or may choose to participate in cooperative purchases with other states, provided that the Commissioner first determines that purchasing through the General Services Administration or cooperative agreements with other states is in the best interests of the State as provided in subsection 903(b) of this title. (Added 1995, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), § 298.)