Any and all negotiations with the federal government or its agencies for or in connection with the purchase or acquisition of such property, and all activities, functions and responsibilities pertaining thereto, are hereby vested in and shall be assumed and conducted exclusively by the department. No other state officer or agency shall, except on the authorization of the department, negotiate with the federal government or its agencies for or in connection with the purchase or acquisition of such property. Any state agency may inspect such property to determine whether the same would be useful in the performance of its duties and may make recommendations to the department concerning the same.