La. R.S. 34:3460

Each recipient authority shall adopt a system of administration which shall require approval of the department for any expenditures made out of state and local matching funds, and no recipient authority shall expend any funds without the approval of the department. Each recipient authority shall adopt a system of administration which shall include the development of a capital improvement program on a selective basis, centralized purchasing of equipment and supplies, centralized accounting, and selective maintenance and construction based upon engineering plans and inspections. Funds appropriated for a project shall not be expended for any other purpose. All contracts for materials, construction, or services shall be advertised and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 38:2212. However, a port may utilize the design-build method as permitted by R.S. 34:3523 for any port priority project that a notice of intent is advertised for in accordance with R.S. 34:3523 prior to December 31, 2015.