(a)
Notwithstanding any other law, the director, following notification to the State Public Works Board, may procure design-build contracts for public works projects in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000), awarding the contract using either the low bid or best value, provided that this article shall not apply to any projects on the state highway system.
(b)
The director shall develop guidelines for a standard organizational conflict-of-interest policy, consistent with applicable law, regarding the ability of a person or entity, that performs services for the department relating to the solicitation of a design-build project, to submit a proposal as a design-build entity, or to join a design-build
team. This conflict-of-interest policy shall apply to each department entering into design-build contracts authorized under this article.