Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-22-110

In the event the authorities authorized and empowered in § 41-22-109 to make contracts for the sale or manufacture of the articles to be manufactured in accordance with the plan provided for in §§ 41-22-109 — 41-22-111 and 41-22-115, are not able, after reasonable effort, to make and enter into satisfactory contracts of this character, those authorities are then empowered and authorized to use and employ the inmates in the manufacture of some article or articles, for and on behalf of the state itself, under the same general conditions, restrictions and rules as provided in §§ 41-22-111 and 41-22-115, and the authorities are also empowered and authorized to purchase or rent all machinery and equipment necessary to install the plants and to purchase necessary material for carrying on such manufacturing business.