R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-12.5.1-14

In the absence of an alternative, the department, when feasible, shall enter into contracts with persons or private organizations to provide the personnel, equipment, or other services or supplies which may be required to carry out this chapter. Contracts under this section are governed by chapter 2 of title 37. When private contracting is not feasible, the department may establish and maintain at ports, harbors, or other locations in the state, the cleanup personnel, equipment, and supplies which, in its judgment, are necessary to carry out this chapter.