The Commissioner of Transportation may, in the performance of his duties under this title and title 13b and notwithstanding the provisions of any general statute to the contrary, award contracts in a total amount not in excess of fifteen million dollars and not in excess of five million dollars per firm for any fiscal year, bidding for which shall be limited to (1) “small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” as defined in the federal Small Business Act, 94 Stat. 2321 (1980) 15 USC 637, and (2) minority business enterprises, as defined in section 4a-60g. The commissioner may expend an amount not in excess of three hundred thousand dollars in any fiscal year for the purpose of assisting such concerns in bidding on such contracts. Such assistance shall include, but not be limited to, advice concerning bonding, legal requirements of proper bidding, bid documents, accounting requirements and other matters that will enable such concerns to file a proper bid.