(a) From funds appropriated for the purpose, the agency may contract directly, including by extending a contract, for the purchase of instructional materials and technology for use by school districts.
(b) The provisions of Chapter 2157, Government Code, requiring a state agency to use a contract or contract terms developed or preapproved by the Department of Information Resources do not apply to a contract entered into under this section, but the agency may participate in a program authorized by that chapter.