La. R.S. 30:2467

The coordinator may contract with any private person or entity for the use of equipment and personnel at places the coordinator determines may be necessary for response and prevention operations, in accordance with the state oil spill contingency plan. The coordinator may contract with any public agency, via interagency transfer of funds, to conduct baseline environmental, wetlands, water quality, habitat, wildlife, and natural resources assessments, or for any other matter deemed necessary to comply with the state and national oil spill contingency plans.