(a) The procurement officer shall give adequate public notice of the invitation to bid at least 21 days before the date for the opening of bids. If the procurement officer determines in writing that a shorter notice period is advantageous for a particular bid and adequate competition is anticipated, the 21-day period may be shortened. Notice shall be posted on the Alaska Online Public Notice System (AS 44.62.175). The time and manner of notice must be in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner of administration. When practicable, notice may include (1) publication in a newspaper calculated to reach prospective bidders; and
(2) notices posted in public places within the area where the work is to be performed or the material furnished.
(b) Failure to comply with the notice requirements of this section does not invalidate a bid or the award of a contract. If the state fails to substantially comply with the requirements of (a) of this section, the state is liable for damages caused by that failure.