Sec. 7. (a) Competitive bids are not required for the acquisition of land or for professional services relating to public works projects. In awarding contracts for professional services relating to public works projects, the director shall submit a recommendation to the commissioner, who shall award a contract.
(b) In making a recommendation to the commissioner, the director shall consider only the competence and the qualifications of the persons offering to perform the professional services in relation to the type of services to be performed. The department shall negotiate compensation for performance of the professional services that the commissioner determines is reasonable.