(a) Whenever realty uses designed uniquely for state use and for periods over five years are concerned, the Commissioner of Administrative Services shall, whenever practicable, attempt to construct on state-owned land. Whenever the Commissioner of Administrative Services has established specific plans and specifications for new construction on state land or new construction for sale to the state: (1) If it appears to the commissioner that the cost of the project shall be less than one million five hundred thousand dollars, contracts shall be made, where practicable, through a process of sealed bidding as provided in § 4b-91 relating to projects in excess of one million five hundred thousand dollars; (2) if it appears to the commissioner that the space needs of the requesting agency are less than five thousand square feet, the commissioner shall, whenever practicable, carry on advertising, in accordance with the provisions of § 4b-34 relating to projects in excess of five thousand square feet, in order to allow an equal opportunity for third parties to do business with the state without regard to political affiliation, political contributions or relationships with persons in state, federal or local governmental positions.

(b) The commissioner may designate projects to be accomplished on a total cost basis for (1) new facilities to provide for the substantial space needs of a requesting agency, (2) the installation of mechanical or electrical equipment systems in existing state facilities, or (3) the demolition of any state facility that the commissioner is authorized to demolish under the general statutes. If the commissioner designates a project as a designated total cost basis project, the commissioner may enter into a single contract with a private developer which may include such project elements as site acquisition, architectural design and construction. The commissioner shall select a private developer from among the developers who are selected and recommended by the award panels established in this subdivision. All contracts for such designated projects shall be based on competitive proposals received by the commissioner, who shall give notice of such project, and specifications for the project, by posting notice on the State Contracting Portal. No contract which includes the construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, repair or demolition of any public building for work by the state for which the total cost is estimated to be more than five hundred thousand dollars may be awarded to a person who is not prequalified for the work in accordance with § 4a-100. The commissioner shall determine all other requirements and conditions for such proposals and awards and shall have sole responsibility for all other aspects of such contracts. Such contracts shall state clearly the responsibilities of the developer to deliver a completed and acceptable product on a date certain, the maximum cost of the project and, as a separate item, the cost of site acquisition, if applicable. No such contract may be entered into by the commissioner without the prior approval of the State Properties Review Board and unless funding has been authorized pursuant to the general statutes or a public or special act.