(a) The Joint Committee on Legislative Management may join with federal agencies, other state governments, political subdivisions of this state or nonprofit organizations in cooperative purchasing plans when the best interests of the state would be served thereby.
(b) The Joint Committee on Legislative Management may purchase equipment, supplies, materials, information systems, telecommunication systems and services from a person who has a contract to sell such goods or services to other state governments, political subdivisions of the state, nonprofit organizations or public purchasing consortia, in accordance with the terms and conditions of such contract, when the best interest of the state would be served. Any purchase made pursuant to this subsection shall not constitute a waiver of any rights or protections provided under any provision of the general statutes to the General Assembly.