(a) Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, all contracts for the construction or erection of permanent improvements at an institution are void unless made after advertising for bids for the contracts in a manner prescribed by the institution's board, receiving sealed competitive bids, and awarding of the contract to the lowest responsible bidder by the board.
(b) If a contract awarded under sealed competitive bidding is to be recommended for award to other than the lowest bidder, any bidder making a lower bid than the recommended bid shall be notified of the recommendation for award and shall be allowed an opportunity before the award to present evidence to the board or its designated representative as to the responsibility of that bidder.