(a) The comptroller or the governing body of an institution of higher education may negotiate purchases of goods of any kind needed by a state agency or the institution of higher education with the appropriate agency of the federal government. The governing body of an institution of higher education may act under this section either directly or through the comptroller or another state agency.
(b) The price of goods that are purchased from the federal government may not exceed the fair market value of the goods.
(c) In negotiating purchases of goods from the federal government under this section or under Subchapter G, Chapter 2175, the comptroller or the governing body of the institution of higher education may waive the requirement of a bidder's bond and performance bond that otherwise would be required.