(a) The provisions of article three, chapter five-a of this code and article twenty-two-a, chapter five of this code do not control or govern design-build procurement or the purchase, acquisition or other disposition of any equipment, materials, supplies, services or printing by the commission or the governing boards, except as provided in sections four through seven, inclusive, of this article. Sections twenty-nine, thirty and thirty-one, article three, chapter five-a of this code apply to all purchasing activities of the commission and the governing boards.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, state institutions of higher education, through their governing boards, may enter into design-build contracts and are not subject to the provisions of article twenty-two-a, chapter five of this code and may also utilize other commonly accepted methods of procurement and contracting for construction projects: Provided, That such state institution of higher education meets the following criteria:
(1) Employs at least one Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified administrator; and