The department shall conduct a study of:

     (1) The contracting powers and project management authorities it currently possesses; those same powers and authorities authorized under this chapter; and those powers and authorities employed by other states or the private sector;

     (2) Methods of encouraging competition for the development of transportation projects; and

     (3) Any additional procedures that may be necessary or desirable for negotiating contracts in situations of a single qualified bidder, in either solicited or unsolicited proposals.

     The department must submit its report, along with any recommended legislative changes, to the commission by November 1, 2005, and to the governor and the legislature for consideration in the 2006 legislative session.

[2005 c 317 § 26.]