(a) Notwithstanding any other law, any department, agency, independent board, commission or authority of the government of the Virgin Islands or the Legislature of the Virgin Islands which has a need for a research project or study that cannot be accomplished within that organization by a regular employee of that organization, shall first seek assistance from the University of the Virgin Islands.
(b) If the University is able to provide the required assistance, the department, agency, independent board, commission or authority or the Legislature shall enter into a contractual agreement with the University.