(1) The administrator shall award contracts to, and place orders for property with, the lowest responsible bidder. Qualifications for responsibility shall be prescribed by rule.
(2) Where both the bids and quality of property offered are the same, preference shall be given to property of local and domestic production and manufacture or from bidders having a significant Idaho economic presence as defined in section 67-2349, Idaho Code. In connection with the award of any contract for the placement of any order for state printing, binding, engraving or stationery work, the provisions of sections 60-101 and 60-103, Idaho Code, shall apply to the extent that the same may be inconsistent with any requirements contained in this section.
(3) In awarding contracts, the administrator shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin unless permitted by an exception described in section 67-5909A, Idaho Code.